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DIARY 


OF 


CALEB  CRESSON, 


I79I 1792. 


Printed  from  his  Original  Manuscripts, 

FOR 

Fa mily   Distribution, 

BY 


EZRA   TOWNSEND   CRESSON, 

AND 

CHARLES   CALEB   CRESSON. 


Philadelphia: 

1877. 


f4~  I  s^'^^ 


PR  E  FAC  E. 


Caleb  Cresson,  the  writer  of  the  following  Diary, 
gives  the  account  of  his  own  birth,  at  page  197,  with 
various  circumstances  of  Family  History. 

His  first  marriage  with  Sarah  Hopkins,  and  her 

V  decease,  are  mentioned  on  page  199. 

^  His  second  marriage  with  Annabella  Elliott,  the 

~~^~~-  mother  of  his  two  sons   John  and  Caleb,  is  related 

■«=  •  on  page  199.     Annabella  Elliott  was  daughter  of  John 

'^  •  and  Annabella  (Bonnyman)  Elliott,  formerly  of  Bol- 

*^^  ton,  Leicestershire,  England.     She  was  born  at  Lei- 

cester,  in  England,  8th  mo.  3d,  1743,  and  arrived  with 

ca;  her  parents  in  Philadelphia  5th  mo.  27th,  1753.     She 

deceased  loth  mo.  12th,  1793,  as  related  in  the  note 

^  on  page  193. 

^  On  the  2d  of  7th  mo.  1795,  he  married  Jane 

v£)  Evans,  of  Edgmont,   Delaware  County,  Pa.   widow 
^  of  Thomas  Evans,  and  daughter  of  John  and  Mary 
'v^  Cox.      He  outlived  his  third  wife,  and  deceased  at 
I    Philadelphia  the  21st  of  loth  mo.  1816. 
J  His  father,  James  Cresson,  deceased  3d  month 

23d,  1745.     His  mother,  Sarah  (Emlen)  Cresson,  de- 
ceased 8th  mo.  2d,  1752. 

It  will  be  thus  seen  that  he  and  his  brother  Joshua 
Cresson,  (who  was  born  2d  mo.  30th,  1744,)  were 
left  orphans  at  a  very  early  age.  They  were  adopted 
by  their  mother's  sister,  Mary  (Emlen)  Armitt,  wife  of 
John  Armitt,  who  had  no  children  of  her  own.  She 
was  as  a  mother  to  them  during  the  remainder  of  her 
life.  The  feehngs  of  love  and  gratitude,  expressed  in 
this  diary,  on  the  occasion  of  her  decease,  manifest  the 
affection  felt  towards  her  by  her  nephews.     A  favourite 


IV 


saying  with  her  was,  ^^Ifs  poor  living  without  Love^^ 
— which  indicates  her  character. 

Caleb  Cresson  took  an  active  part  in  the  affairs 
of  the  Society  of  Friends  in  his  day.  The  old  Book 
of  Records,  now  held  by  the  branch  of  Friends  at 
Fifteenth  and  Race  Streets,  Philadelphia,  is  in  his 
handwriting,  as  Recorder,  from  ist  mo.  i6th,  1770, 
to  1 2th  mo.  22d,  1799. 

In  person  he  was  rather  tall,  (about  5  feet  10 
inches,)  slender,  yet  erect;  of  a  dark  complexion.  Of 
courteous  manners,  though  what  would  be  called  pos- 
itive, or  decided,  in  his  character.  His  wife,  Anna- 
bella,  was  small  and  slender  in  person,  very  meek  and 
gentle  in  her  character,  amiable,  and  much  beloved 
by  those  who  knew  her. 

These  traditions  I  have  had  from  my  Mother, 
Sarah  Emlen  Cresson. 

He  had  two  sons,  John  and  Caleb,  to  grow  to  man- 
hood, but  left  no  daughter.  John  Elliott  Cresson  was 
born  nth  mo.  nth,  1773;  deceased  8th  mo.  25th, 
1 8 14.  He  married  Mary  Warder,  4th  mo.  28th, 
1795.  Caleb  Cresson  was  born  5th  mo.  nth,  1775; 
deceased  nth  mo.  21st,  1821.  He  married  Sarah 
Emlen,  6th  mo.  4th,  1807. 

His  diary  is  written  in  a  desultory  manner,  pass- 
ing sometimes  from  subject  to  subject,  without  any 
attempt  at  connection  or  continuity.  It  contains  re 
cords  of  occurrences  evidently  intended  to  be  inter- 
esting only  to  his  own  family  j  and  as  he  mentions  (see 
page  34,  under  date  of  5th  mo.  13th,  1791,)  intended 
only  for  family  perusal.  C.  C.  C. 

2d  mo.  27th,  1877. 


THE 

DIARY 


OF 


CALEB  CRESSON, 

Began   1791. 


New  Year's  Day,  1791. 

I  have  thought  that  if  persons  who  are  so  favoured 
as  not  to  be  under  a  necessitv  of  labouring  for  a  sub- 
sistence, would  keep  a  Diary,  or  make  notes  as  time 
daily  passes — considering  the  well  or  ill  spending  of 
it  of  the  utmost  importance  to  our  present  as  well  as 
future  happiness — such  a  practice  might,  on  many 
accounts,  be  productive  of  benefit. 

I  am,  therefore,  now  induced,  although  so  far  ad- 
vanced on  mv  journey  through  the  wilderness  of  this 
world,  to  make  a  beginning  in  such  an  undertaking, 
and  regret  I  had  not  began  earlier  in  my  day. 

However,  I  am  sensible  it  will  require  care,  at- 
tention, and  patient  perseverance;  nevertheless  I  am 
induced  to  set  about  it,  though  late,  believing  it  may 
prove  of  some  advantage  and  satisfaction  to  my  own 
particular,  in  sometimes  reviving  things  which  would 
otherwise  be  buried  in  oblivion,  and  excite  to  the  fill- 
ing up  the  measure  of  our  allotted  duty  in  our  short 
span  of  human  life,  which  is  afforded  for  the  great  and 


6  [ist  mo.  ist, 

momentous  end  of  working  out  our  own  salvation; 
and  our  blessed  Saviour  counsels  to  work  while  it  is 
day ^  for  heboid  the  night  cometh^  wherein  no  man  can  work. 

May  we  then  press  on  with  faith  and  holy  confi- 
dence in  Him  who  is  alone  able  to  begin  and  finish 
the  great  and  all-important  work  to  His  glory  and  our 
peace  and  everlasting  happiness. 

I  begin  this  Diary  in  the  49th  year  of  my  age — 
born  the  29th  day  of  the  Eighth  month,  1742 — and 
although,  as  I  have  before  observed,  I  think  it  a  late 
beginning,  I  hope  my  dear  children  may  not  follow 
my  example  in  that  respect,  but  attempt  it  earlier, 
and  I  am  fully  satisfied  they  will  not  have  cause  to 
repent  the  labour  which  it  may  cost. 


']th  Day^  ist  of  First  month. — This  maybe  called 
seasonable  weather,  being  very  cold,  a  great  body  of 
snow  being  on  the  ground,  which  makes  fine  sleigh- 
ing, and  is  reckoned  a  protection  to  the  winter  grain. 
The  Lord's  mercies  are  great.  His  sun  shines  and 
His  rain  falls  upon  the  just  and  the  unjust;  yea,  the 
most  minute  parts  of  His  creation  partake  of  His 
bounty.  Let  the  earth,  therefore,  praise  Him  who 
provides  for  all,  in  time,  and  who  will  be  the  never- 
failing  Source  of  Good  to  all  His  rational  creatures 
in  a  blessed  eternity,  if  they  do  but  love,  fear  and 
serve  Him. 

The  navigation  of  the  Delaware  has  been  stopped 
a  week  or  two.  Wood  comes  over  on  sleds,  and  from 
the  west-ward  by  land.  Oak,  321. ;  hickory,  451.  is 
about  the  present  value.  Flour,  26^.;  beef  and  pork, 
^d.  @  sd. 


I79I-]  7 

Widow  White,  (mother  of  him  called  the  Bishop,) 
deceased.  P.  Nicklin's  wife,  a  youngish  woman,  died 
very  suddenly,  having  been  one  of  a  jovial  company 
the  preceding  evening,  and  a  corpse  in  the  morning: 
an  awful  instance,  indeed,  of  the  necessity  of  daily 
preparation  to  meet  the  undeniable  messenger,  as  he 
comes  sometimes  with  little  or  no  warning. 

Jst  Day^  2d. — Attended  meeting  thrice — after- 
noon at  the  burial  of  John  Clifford's  child,  about  four; 
uncommon  for  her  forward  parts  and  sweetness  of 
disposition.  Betsey  Bringhurst,  buried  about  27th 
ultimo.  She  had  been  for  divers  years  conversant  in 
the  school  of  affliction.  A  cancer  in  her  side  brought 
her  to  her  end,  which  I  trust,  through  mercy,  was 
happy  ;  bearing  her  great  affliction  and  pain  with  much 
patient  resignation,  and  it  may  be  the  impurities  of 
early  life  were  purged  away  by  this  suffering  dispen- 
sation, which)  though  it  was  grievous,  vet,  I  hope, 
was  in  great  mercy  and  to  enduring  profit.  She  died 
beyond  the  meridian  of  life,  in  a  single  state,  and,  I 
trust,  rests  in  the  Lord,  having  escaped  the  pollutions 
of  the  world — a  great  thing  indeed. 

2d  Day^  3^. — A  pleasant  day  for  the  season. — 
Dined  at  Aunt  Armitt's,  with  my  wife  and  sons.  She 
appeared  pleased  to  have  us  with  her,  now  in  old  age, 
(near  83,)  having  been  a  mother  to  me  from  infancy. 
Afternoon  employed  in  writing,  and  a  little  carpenter 
work,  which  I  reckon  conducive  to  health. 

3^  Day.^  ^th. — At  meeting  for  worship,  and  ad- 
journment of  monthly  meeting,  which  held  late. — 
Had  several  friends  to  dine  with  us,  who  remained 
during  the  afternoon. 


8  [ist  mo.  5th, 

^th  Day^  ^th. — A  bad  fit  of  the  headache,  which 
rendered  me  good  for  little.  I  have  been  subject  to  this 
disorder  from  childhood.  Mav  be  it's  mv  thorn  in 
the  fleshy  and  allotted  to  prevent  an  unprofitable  and 
hurtful  rest,  which  as  pilgrims  we  ought  not  to  aim 
at  while  in  this  state  of  varied  probation  and  exercise. 
In  the  evening  was  enabled  to  attend  with  other  friends 
who  met  on  meeting  business  at  our  house,  which,  I 
hope,  was  not  unprofitable  to  any  concerned. 

^th  Day^  6th. — At  High  Street  Meeting.  Mod- 
erate— the  snow  goes  fast,  though  the  river  remains 
shut  fast  with  ice. 

6th  Day^  "jth. — A  moderate  thawing  day.  Snow 
chiefly  gone ;  dirty  roads.  Our  beloved  friends  Mary 
Ridgway  and  Jane  Watson,  came  to  town  from  Wil- 
mington, after  visiting  the  families  of  Friends  there. 
Attended  a  committee  at  Fourth  Street  House  on 
Society  affairs. 

']th  Day^^th.  Weather,  mild  forenoon;  after  blew 
-up  cold.  Mother  Elliott  indisposed ;  went,  with  my  dear 
wife,  to  see  her  in  the  evening.    Was  not  idle  this  day. 

1st  Day^  <^th. — Hail  and  rain  this  morning,  which 
made  the  roads  and  streets  so  slippery  as  to  be  diffi- 
cult to  pass.  However,  I  got  to  meeting  three  times, 
and  was  peaceful. 

id  Day^  10th. — The  cold  abated  so  that  I  could 
more  safelv  walk  abroad.  Wrote  part  of  the  day,  and 
read  the  Holy  Scriptures.  Another  part  was  spent 
in  making  some  improvements  in  my  writing  room. 
The  noble  river  Delaware  continues  fast. 

3^/  i)^v,  iith. — At  meeting  in  course,  where  our 
European  women  Friends  were  exercised  in  honest 


I79I.]  9 

labour  for  our  spiritual  health.  They  think  us  too 
light  and  chafFy,  nay,  seem  to  think  some  very  had, 
and  I  fear  they  are  not  mistaken.  O,  for  more  de- 
votedness  in  the  greatest  of  all  concerns.  Afternoon, 
engaged  in  meeting  business.  Evening,  with  my  wife 
to  see  mother  Elliott,  who  continues  poorly. 

^th  Day^  I2th. — At  meeting  at  Pine  Street. — 
Jane  Watson  appeared  in  testimony — /  have  desired 
to  eat  the  Passover  with  you  before  I  suffer — a  solid 
meeting.  Afternoon  attended  a  funeral.  Evening 
at  brother  John  Elliott's. 

^th  Day^  13^^- — At  meeting.  Mary  and  Jane 
both  concerned  in  testimony  in  the  demonstration. 
James  Cox  and  Elizabeth  Shephard  married.  After- 
noon, to  see  my  old  master,  T.  Clifford,  who  is  in- 
disposed. 

^6//^  Day^  \\th.  —  Mostly  employed  in  writing 
this  forenoon.  Afterwards  attended  a  committee  on 
Society  concerns. 

']th  Day^  i^th. — Attended  to  some  outward  mat- 
ters. The  ice  in  Delaware  appears  near  driving — 
notwithstanding  which  the  merchants  have  collected 
a  great  number  of  hands  to  cut  or  open  a  passage  for 
the  shipping  from  the  point  up  to  the  city,  which,  'tis 
said,  they  have  effected. 

1st  Day^  i6th. — Attended  meeting,  three  sittings 
— that  in  the  morning  much  favoured.  Towards 
evening  Margaret,  wife  of  Jonathan  Guest,  buried  ; 
also,  John  Hill's  son,  a  lad  of  about  14. 

2d  Day^  i-jth.  —  Rainy,  snowy  morning,  with 
high  winds — winter-like.  Afternoon,  attended  Over- 
seers' meeting.      Caspar  Haines'  child  buried. 

2* 


10  [ist  mo.  i8th, 

'}^d  Day^  \%th. — A  large  week-day  meeting;  per- 
haps more  so  on  account  of  the  European  Friends,  who 
being  poorly,  were  not  there.  However,  we  were 
favoured,  T.  Scattergood  having  the  principal  service. 
Evening  at  committee  till  8.  Ice  in  the  river  not 
yet  broke  up. 

\th  Day^  i()th.  —  Employed  in  some  domestic 
concerns  and  writing  in  my  collection.  I  also  read 
a  little  most  days,  in  the  Bible  most  frequently.  I 
never  was  much  given  to  spend  my  precious  time  in 
the  perusal  of  light  or  unprofitable  performances,  but 
of  later  years  I  find  I  am  not  easv  to  emplov  mvself  in 
that  way,  as  they  leave  the  spirit  poor,  and  take  up  too 
much  of  the  room  of  the  heart  which  should  be  devoted 
to  entertain  the  Heavenly  Guest.  To  them  that  open, 
savs  our  Lord,  I  will  come  in  and  sup  with  him,  &c. 

^th  Day^  10th. — At  meeting.  Performed  some 
meeting  business.  Attended  to  some  outward  con- 
cerns. Evening  visited  a  friend.  Several  vessels 
came  up  to-day. 

6th  Day.,  list. — Walked  a  mile  or  two  out  of 
town;  found  it  windy  and  cold.  Did  some  writing, 
and  read  in  the  best  Book. 

^th  Day^  lid. — Was  mostlv  in-doors  to-dav. — 
Wrote  a  letter  to  a  friend  in  the  country.  Rebecca, 
wife  of  Samuel  Morris,  died;  also,  Nancy  Flowers; 
of  this  young  woman  it  may  be  said  that  the  Lord 
was  gracious  to  her,  having,  I  trust,  prepared  her  for 
His  Heavenlv  Kingdom  bv  judgment  mixed  with 
mercy,  giving  her  to  see  the  beauty  of  holiness,  and 
the  necessitv  to  press  after  it  in  order  to  an  admit- 
tance within  the  gate.      Her  illness  was  lingering,  of 


I79I-]  II 

the  consumptive  kind.  Taken  out  of  an  e\  11  world 
in  much  sweetness  and  peace,  a  little  turned  of  30. 
She  has  left  an  afflicted  mother,  to  whom  she  was  as 
a  prop  in  declining  life. 

ij/Z)^y,  23^.— At  morning  meeting  Cousin  Jacob 
Lindly  very  eminent;  afternoon,  S.  Emlen;  evening, 
Thomas  Follet.  Mild  for  the  season.  Joseph  Mif- 
flin and  Michael  Eblin  died. 

id  Day^  l\th. — Indisposed,  yet  did  a  little  writ- 
ing. This  day  my  dear  Aunt,  who  has  been  to  me  in 
place  of  a  mother,  was  taken  with  her  last  illness, 
tho'  she  did  not  take  to  her  chamber  'till  the  day  fol- 
lowing. 

3^  Day^  l^th. — Attended  our  monthly  meeting, 
which  held  late.  Afternoon,  attended  the  funeral  of 
N.  Flowers.  Evening,  was  poorly.  A  peaceful  mind 
is  the  greatest  treasure  ;  nothing  worldlv  can  purchase  it. 

^th  Day^  ibth. — Visited  Aunt  Armitt.  Went 
to  M.  Eblin's  burial.  He  was  poor  in  this  world,  but 
I  hope  is  made  rich.  A  fine,  moderate  day.  My  son 
Johnny  a  good  deal  poorly,  with  a  current  complaint. 

^th  Day^  i-jth. — Was  at  High  Street  Meeting; 
Jane  Watson  and  several  others  appeared.  Afternoon, 
Hannah  Wharton  was  buried. 

6th  Day^  2Htb. — Attended  Philadelphia,  or  the 
Middle  District,  Monthly  Meeting.  A  certificate 
granted  for  John  Pemberton  to  go  to  England  a  sec- 
ond time  on  a  religious  account.  Afternoon  was  at 
Aunt's ;  she  now  appears  ill.  Many  people  indisposed 
and  dropping  off  the  stage.  Thus  the  living  are  in- 
structed by  the  dead.  There  is  no  safety  but  in  a 
constant  preparation,  but  this  cannot  be  obtained  but 


12  [ist  mo.  29th, 

by  unremitted  diligence ;  watch  and  pray  continually, 
was  the  command.  George  Bryan,  one  of  the  Judges, 
died  suddenly,  of  an  apoplexy. 

"jth  Da)\  2()th. — A  cold  morning.  Aunt  con- 
tinues ill.  Ice  in  the  river  again,  which  stops  the 
navigation  for  the  present. 

1st  Day^  2t^th. — Attended  three  meetings  to-day. 
W.  Savery  much  favoured  at  the  last.  How  much 
labour  is  bestowed  on  the  vineyard !  O,  for  good 
fruit  to  the  praise  of  the  great  and  good  Husbandman ! 
Many  sick,  probably  from  sudden  changes.  Aunt 
Armitt  now  seems  unlikely  to  recover,  tho'  she  is  fa- 
voured to  retain  her  faculties  tho'  far  advanced  in  age. 
Coarse,  wintry  weather.  Cousin  S.  Emlen's  black 
lad,  Jem,  fell  through  the  ice  in  Schuylkill  and  was 
drowned.  It  is  not  good  to  withdraw  from  our  duty 
on  days  appointed  for  public  worship. 

id  Daw,  i^ist. — Was  at  Jonathan  Dilworth's  fu- 
neral. 'Tis  said  he  met  the  messenger  of  death  with 
composure  and  peace.  Evening  at  Aunt's,  who  grows 
weaker  gradually — appears  peaceful  and  sweetlv  re- 
signed.     Thus  ends  the  First  month. 

'^d  Day^  1st  of  Second  'month. — Attended  our  own 
week-dav  meeting;  afterwards  sat  the  adjournment, 
which  concluded  about  2.  In  the  evening  was  at  a 
committee  on  meeting  business  'till  ten — and  was  in- 
disposed with  fatigue.  If  we  are  in  the  way  of  our 
duty,  we  always  have  our  reward,  tho'  'tis  sometimes 
wearisome  to  the  flesh. 

4//;  Day^  id. — Visited  a  sick  friend  in  the  morn- 
ing. Brother's  family,  several  of  them  poorly. — 
Wrote  a  little  and  read  a  little.      Our  great  Master 


I79I-]  IS 

requires    nothing    but  what   He  gives  ability  to   per- 
form. 

^th  Day^  i^d.  —  Attended  High  Street.  Had  a 
bad  fit  of  my  headache.  Johnny  a  good  deal  un- 
well. 

^th  Day^  \th. — A  snowy  morning  and  a  dull  day, 
so  I  employed  myself  indoors,  for  I've  always  some- 
thing to  do,  and  I'm  thankful  for  it,  for  I  find  employ- 
ment keeps  the  enemy  out;  it  likewise  strengthens 
mind  as  well  as  body,  especially  good  employment. — 
I  hope  I  am  sensible  of  the  great  favour  I  enjoy,  not 
having  to  labour  for  outward  bread. 

']th  Day^  ^th. — Wet  weather.  Dear  Aunt  weak- 
ens fast,  being  now  mostly  confined  to  her  bed. 

1st  Day^  6th. — Lodged  last  night  at  Aunt's,  at 
her  request,  apprehending  herself  going,  and  wishing 
to  have  us,  I  mean  my  dear  wife  and  me,  near  her. 
At  the  North  Meeting  in  the  morning;  at  High  Street 
afternoon,  and  evening.  M.  Ridgway  much  favoured. 
How  Friends  in  this  city  are  watered  and  dug  about 
from  season  to  season.  O,  that  we  may  bring  forth 
fruit  to  His  praise. 

2d  Day^  'jth. — Lodged  again  at  Aunt's,  and  con- 
tinued to  do  so  from  this  time  forward  'till  her  death, 
she  not  being  easy  to  permit  us  to  go  home.  In  the 
night  we  rose  at  her  desire,  but  after  a  few  hours  she 
revived  again,  so  as  to  take  some  notice  of  her  friends, 
and  dropped  many  good  expressions  from  day  to  day, 
some  of  which  we  mean  to  treasure  up.  Quarterly 
Meeting  to-day,  but  I  did  not  go. 

3^  Da}\,  Sth. — Youth's  Meeting  to-day.  M.  R. 
appeared  greatly  to  satisfaction.      Aunt  continues,  but 


14  [2d  mo.  9th. 

is  very  low  indeed.  My  son  John  better,  which  I  ac- 
knowledge as  a  favour;  also,  brother's  family. 

^th  Day^  c)th. — Snow  and  sleet — a  wintry  morn- 
ing; cleared  up  towards  noon.  Afternoon,  John  Head 
the  younger,  struck  with  a  fit  of  the  apoplexy  on  the 
wharf,  and  has  not  spoken  since.  Aunt  continues,  but 
to  all  appearance  seems  near  the  solemn  close,  yet  very 
sensible  and  fresh  in  her  inward  and  spiritual  faculties. 

^th  Day^  loth. — Did  not  attend  meeting  to-day, 
being  unwell.  John  Head  remains  to  appearance  in- 
sensible.     Dear  Aunt  continues  very  low. 

6th  Day^  nth. — A  fine  wholesome  morning,  air 
being  clear,  and  at  N.  W.  My  wife  and  self  spend 
much  of  our  time  at  our  beloved  Aunt's,  whose  pres- 
ent low  situation  requires  constant  attention,  and  she 
has  every  endeavour  of  those  about  her  to  render  her 
trying  situation  as  tolerable  as  may  be,  and  being  fa- 
voured with  a  peaceful  mind,  it  is  profitable  to  most 
that  visit  and  are  present  with  her,  manifesting  that  the 
fruit  of  a  well-spent  life  is  humble  hope  and  holy  con- 
fidence in  death,  and  she  is  enabled  to  meet  its  solemn 
approach  without  dread  or  terror,  looking  to  and  lean- 
ing on  the  arm  of  her  beloved  Jesus  for  help  and  sup- 
port in  a  season  so  awful  and  interesting.  Went  to 
visit  Cousin  Rebecca  Scattergood,  who  is  ill. 

']th  Day^  I2th. — Clear,  hearty  weather,  tho'  the 
river  is  full  of  ice.  Called  to  see  a  friend  in  affliction. 
John  Head  died  about  2  to-day;  he  was  about  29,  a 
merchant,  in  a  single  state,  and  the  main  prop  of  his 
father's  declining  years.  A  lesson  of  instruction  is  af- 
forded by  this  awful  providence,  as  it  proves  that  youth 
and  full  maturity  of  strength  does  by  no  means  exempt 


I79I.]  15 

from  the  inevitable  stroke.  O,  that  we  may  be  ready, 
having  our  loins  girt  and  lamps  trimmed,  and  waiting 
— I  sav  waiting — for  his  coming. 

1st  Day^  I'^th. — x\ttended  meeting  at  High  Street 
morning  and  evening.  Aunt  continues  in  mutability, 
but  in  as  low  a  state  as  well  can  be  to  live.  In  the 
afternoon  the  widow  of  John  Jer\'is  was  buried — an 
aged  woman. 

2d  Day^  i\th. — John  Head  the  younger  buried. 
Aunt  remains  exceeding  low  indeed ;  has  now  and 
then  kind  of  fainting  fits.  We  are  mostly  with  her, 
apprehending  she  cannot  continue  many  days. 

3^  Day,,  i^th. — Attended  our  common  week-day 
meeting.  M.  Ridgwav  appeared  in  testimonv.  We 
expected  dear  Aunt  would  have  gone  off  this  evening, 
but  she  revived  again  a  little.  It's  a  favour  that  she 
don't  seem  to  complain  of  great  pain,  but  at  some  par- 
ticular times,  tho'  no  doubt  she  feels  great  bodilv  weak- 
ness and  distress.  Takes  little  but  water  and  a  little 
jelly  or  sago,  or  such  like.  Nature,  or  rather  the 
Author  of  nature,  appears  to  be  taking  His  inimitable 
workmanship  gradually  in  pieces,  to  bring  it  to  its 
original.  Dust  thou  art,  and  to  dust  thou  ?nust  re- 
turn. 

^th  Day,,  ibth. — Had  a  bad  fit  of  my  old  disor- 
der, but  got  better  in  the  afternoon.  Josiah  Bunting, 
of  Darby,  buried  his  wife. 

^th  Day,,  I'jth. — Very  windy,  clear  and  cold;  in 
the  evening  the  cold  intense,  but  owing  perhaps  to  the 
very  high  wind,  but  little  ice  in  the  Delaware.  Aunt 
evidently  appears  near  the  solemn  close.  The  river 
froze  over  in  one  night,  that  is  last  night,  all  fast. 


1 6  [2cl  mo.  1 8th. 

6th  Day^  i8//;. — Our  dearly  beloved  Aunt  has 
had  a  painful  and  laborious  night,  but  preserved  in 
great  patience  and  holy  quiet.  The  Good  Hand  is 
evidently  with  her  and  supports  her  through  the  awful 
conflict.  The  Royal  Psalmist  seemed  to  possess  his 
soul  in  holy  confidence  when  he  could  thus  exclaim  or 
express  himself:  Tea^  though  I  walk  through  the  Valley 
of  the  Shadow  of  Death  ^  I  will  fear  no  evil^  for  Thou  art 
with  me;  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staffs  they  comfort  me.  The 
righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.  About  9  in  the  morn- 
ing she  conversed  a  little  with  a  near  friend,  and  said : 
He  hath  hrought  me  to  His  banqueting  house^  and  His 
banner  over  me  is  love.  About  an  hour  after  she  said : 
"It's  all  peace;  it's^W  joy  for  evermore.''  These  were 
her  last  words,  (and  in  a  low  accent,  but  intelligible  to 
those  who  were  near,)  except  asking  for  a  drop  of  water 
or  something  of  that  kind. 

Thus  she  finished  her  course  and  slept  in  Jesus, 
about  half  after  eleven  in  the  forenoon,  6th  day,  18th 
of  2d  month,  1 791,  as  a  shock  of  corn,  matured  or  ripe 
with  age  and  laden  with  plenty,  cometh  in  its  season, 
having  attained  fully  to  her  83d  year  and  a  few  days 
over. 

Her  pilgrimage  might,  or  may  be  called  even, 
steady,  peaceful ;  having  never  had  children,  she  es- 
caped much  of  the  care  and  cumber  of  Hfe,  and  as  she 
had  had  a  good  husband  in  his  time  she  enjoyed  many 
of  its  blessings  and  good  things,  altho'  not  in  affluent 
circumstances,  yet  favoured  with  most  of  the  necessa- 
ries and  conveniences. 

She  had  an  open  heart,  was  kind  and  sympathiz- 
ing to  the  poor  and  those  in  affliction,  entertained  her 


I79I-]  i; 

friends  at  public  times  and  otherwise,  with  much  love 
ana  freedom.  She  was  of  a  meek,  loving,  peaceable 
disposition,  and  loved  the  Lord  and  His  Truth,  I  be- 
lieve, above  all. 

As  to  her  person,  it  was  rather  under  or  about 
middle  size  for  a  woman,  not  bulkv,  but  rather  spare ; 
features  very  regular  and  agreeable,  and  in  younger 
life  was  esteemed  a  very  comely  person. 

She  was  married  in  her  twentv-first  vear,  continued 
a  wife  about  thirty-two  years,  and  remained  the  widow 
of  one  man  about  twenty-nine  vears,  and  was  put  into 
his  grave,  according  to  his  and  her  desire,  it  having  been 
dug  very  deep  at  first  with  that  view. 

Her  corpse  was  taken  to  High  Street  Meeting 
House,  (having  been  an  elder  about  fortv  years,)  and 
a  solemn  meeting  held  on  the  occasion,  and  thence 
to  the  grave,  and  committed  to  the  solemn,  silent  en- 
closure of  our  original  dust ;  nevertheless  the  spirit  or 
immortal  part,  we  doubt  not,  has  ascended  to  the  realms 
of  light,  life,  peace,  and  joy  forevermore,  to  join  the 
Heavenlv  host  even  the  redeemed  of  our  God,  who 
stand  before  the  throne  of  immaculate  purity,  clothed 
in  white  robes,  and  palms  in  their  hands,  saying:  Amen : 
Blessing^  and  glory^  and  wisdom^  and  thanksgivings  and 
honour s  and  power ^  and  mighty  he  unto  our  God  forever 
and  ever — Amen. 

I  have  said  less  in  this  place  on  the  occasion  of 
my  beloved  relation's  departure,  as  I  mean  to  commit 
to  writing  a  more  full  memorial  of  her  pious  life  and 
peaceful  conclusion,  as  I  think  her  memory  justly 
worthy  of  being  handed  down  to  posterity  as  a  bright 
example  for  succeeding  pilgrims,  who  are  inclined  to 


i8  [2d  mo.  19th, 

tread  the  path  of  virtue  and  true  glory  through  the 
rugged  wilderness  of  this  world,  if  so  be  they  may  be 
mercifully  preserved  like  her  to  escape  the  pollutions 
of  time,  and  thereby  be  fitted  for  an  abundant  entrance 
into  the  joys  of  a  blessed  and  never-ending  eternity. 
And  this  is  my  earnest  desire  for  all  people. 

"jth  Da\\,  igth. — Was  much  engaged  at  dear  Aunt's 
late  dwelling,  in  various  cares  about  the  burial.  She 
appears,  as  she  lies  a  corpse,  younger  than  when  in 
health — scarcely  a  wrinkle  to  be  seen  on  her  face — 
and  might  readily  be  taken  for  a  person  of  fifty. 

1st  Da}\  20th. — Did  not  go  to^  Meeting  to-day, 
but  was  mostly  at  Aunt's,  many  friends  calling  to  shew 
their  respect  to  the  deceased. 

id  Day ^  21st. — Last  evening  our  belo\'ed  friend 
Jane  Watson  had  a  sitting  in  Aunt's  back  room,  much 
to  our  comfort  and  satisfaction ;  about  thirty  present. 
Through  many  tribulations  the  righteous  enter.  May 
we  strive,  and  also  be  able. 

This  was  the  day  of  interment.  Honour  to 
whom  honour  is  due,  we  find,  is  allowed,  if  not  en-- 
joined  ;  and  indeed  she  was  honoured  in  life  and  in 
death.  Many  followed  her  to  the  Meeting  House, 
which  was  so  crowded  that  many  stood.  M.  Ridg- 
way  and  Nicholas  Wain  were  concerned  in  testimony, 
and  W.  Savery  in  prayer.  Weep  not  for  her,  but  for 
yourselves  and  your  children,  who  yet  remain  to  tread 
the  arduous  steps  of  life  below.  She  has  attained  the 
goal,  having  run  the  race,  and  through  His  might  who 
is  invincible,  she  is  a  conqueror  and  more,  even  in 
death.  A  large  number  followed  her  remains  to  the 
cold  grave,  though  it  was  snowy. 


I79I-]  19 

2,d  Day^  22d. — Our  Monthly  Meeting  in  course, 
which  I  attended.  Afterwards  went  to  Aunt's  late 
dwelling,  and  had  a  consultation  with  brother  and 
cousin  Ann  Dawes  about  Aunt's  affairs. 

^th  Day^  23^. — Attended  Pine  St.  Monthly  Meet- 
ing by  appointment.  Afternoon  went  to  Aunt's,  and, 
with  others  concerned,  opened  her  will,  by  which  it 
appears  she  has  considered  me  as  a  son,  and  left  me 
a  child's  share  of  what  she  possessed,  with  which  I 
am  satisfied,  and  desire  to  be  thankful  for  the  many 
mercies  bestowed  by  the  Great  Dispenser  of  benefits 
from  youth  to  this  day. 

^th  Day^  i^th. — At  High  Street  Weekly  Meet- 
ing. Our  European  Friends  crossed  the  river  this  day, 
being  pretty  clear  of  ice,  in  order  to  be  at  Burlington 
Quarterly  Meeting  next  First  and  Second  Day. 

---  Was  engaged  about  some  necessary  employment 
in  the  afternoon.  In  the  evening  wrote  a  letter  to 
Thomas  Dobson  and  his  wife,  being  old  friends  of 
my  late  dear  Aunt,  at  New  York,  (which  was  one  of 
her  dying  requests  to  me). 

6th  Day^  25/^. — •  Attended  to  some  necessary 
business  at  Aunt's,  making  out  the  inventory,  &c. 

ph  Day^  26th. — Attended  a  committee  on  Meet- 
ing business,  which  took  up  a  good  deal  of  time. 

1st  Day^  2'jth. — At  Meeting  three  times  to-day ; 
I  hope  not  unprofitably. 

2d  Day^  2Sth. — Was  taken  up  mostly  in  assisting 
in  the  division  of  Aunt's  household  goods,  having  one- 
third  part. 

^dDay^  ist  0/ Third  month. — Attended  Week-day 
Meeting  and  a  committee  afterwards.     Went  on  with 


20  [3<^  n^o.  2d, 

the  division  in  the  after  part  of  the  day.      Dr.  Kuhn's 
wife  died. 

^th  Day^  2d. — Completed  the  division  to-day,  and 
dismissed  the  remaining  part  of  Aunt's  family.  The 
roads  excessively  bad,  but  weather  moderate. 

K^th  Day^  3^. — At  Week-day  Meeting.  Afternoon 
employed  in  necessary  business.      Evening  poorly. 

(ith  Day^  \th. — Finished  getting  my  things  home. 
Attended  to  some  affairs  at  home.  In  the  evening, 
went  to  see  a  sick  friend. 

']th  Day^  ^th. — Was  out  on  some  business  in  the 
morning.  Afternoon,  on  a  committee  at  Fourth  St. 
House.  Evening,  at  home,  writing.  The  weather 
mild,  and  likely  to  be  wet.  My  brother's  son,  Samuel, 
born  about  10. 

\st  Day^  6th. — At  Meeting  thrice.  A  wet  day, 
tho'  mild;  wind  southerly,  which  brings  the  frost  out 
of  the  ground,  and,  I  expect,  will  occasion  very  miry 
roads.  Sister  Gray  ill  with  a  sore  throat  attended  with 
a  fever. 

2d  Day^  ph. — ^Warm  for  the  season ;  a  gust  in 
the  evening,  attended  with  sharp  lightning  and  some 
thunder.  Sister  Gray  continues  ill ;  was  there,  with 
my  wife,  in  the  evening.  My  sons  left  off  going  to 
Dutch  School  at  nights,  for  this  season. 

3^/  Day.,  Sth. — At  our  Week-day  Meeting.  Af- 
ternoon, employed  writing,  putting  in  order  some  of 
my  dear  Aunt's  dying  expressions,  many  of  which  are 
well  worth  preserving,  and  will  be  found  in  my  col- 
lection. 

ph  Day^  gth. — Went  on  with  the  same  business, 
and  nearly  completed  a  memorial  concerning  her  pious 


I79I.]  21 

life  and  death,  which  I  copied  fair,  and  handed  among 
some  of  her  relations. 

^th  Day^  loth. — Not  very  well,  and,  therefore, 
was  easy  to  stay  from  Meeting,  but  was  employed  in 
reading  and  a  little  writing. 

6th  Da}\  iith. — Dull,  wet  weather.  Began  to 
uncover  my  vines.  Went  to  see  brother's  family. — 
Sister  seems  bravely  for  the  time,  having  had  a  very 
favourable  lying-in,  her  little  son  Samuel  being  fine 
and  hearty.  Went  a  good  deal  about  town,  on  some 
necessarv  business,  and  did  some  writino-  at  home. — 
Read  the  Bible  some  part  of  the  day,  which  employ- 
ment I  find  profitable  many  ways,  tending  to  sweeten 
my  spirit,  and  discourage  the  approaches  of  the  grand 
Enemy;  and  I  hope  my  dear  children  will  be  often 
conversant  therein,  being  the  best  of  books. 

']th  Day^  I2th. — Markets  are  now  scarce,  and 
dear  about  this  season,  owing  to  a  variety  of  causes — 
tho'  fire-wood  is  reduced  to  about  30  i".  and  20  s.  per 
cord,  the  river  having  been  quite  clear  for  some  time. 
Afternoon,  attended  a  committee  at  Fourth  Street 
House. 

1st  Day^  13^^- — Attended  three  Meetings  to-day. 
Mary  Wood,  an  innocent  young  woman  of  18,  buried. 
She  was  taken  into  the  North  Meeting  House  in  the 
way  to  the  ground,  being  the  first  since  it  was  built. 

2d  Day ^  i^th. — Rose  early,  and  wrote  as  usual. 
Afternoon,  attended  Overseers'  Meeting.  Not  very 
well  this  evening. 

i^d  Day^  \^th. — Rose  a  little  after  four,  and  was 

diligent  in  employment   which  may    probably    prove 

useful  in  future.      Went  to   Meeting,  and   staid  the 

3* 


22  [3d  mo.  1 6th, 

preparative.      Afternoon,  to  see  a  sick  friend;  after- 
wards attended  to  some  domestic  concerns. 

\th  Day^  i6tb. — Took  a  bad  cold,  and  was  poorly. 
A  deal  of  wet  weather,  so  that  the  Spring  seems  to 
come  forward.  The  grass  appears  green  before  our 
door,  and  the  buds  swell. 

5//;  Day^  ijth. — The  people  don't  forget  Saint 
Patrick's  Day,  as  it  is  called,  and  still  make  a  mock 
of  the  poor  Irish  Saint,  but  if  he  is  in  Heaven  it  can't 
do  him  any  harm.  Wrote  considerable  in  my  collec- 
tion to-day. 

6th  Day^  \%th. — Up  a  little  after  three,  and  wrote 
a  letter  to  mv  good  little  friend,  Alice  Needham,  at 
Salem,  New  England,  who  made  us  a  visit  last  Sum- 
mer. Walked  a  mile  out  of  town,  for  some  orange 
trees  and  garden  flowers. 

^th  Day^  i()th. — A  rainy  dav.  On  a  committee 
in  the  afternoon  at  Fourth  Street. 

1st  Day^  20th. — Attended  three  Meetings  for  Di- 
vine worship  to-day,  to,mv  comfort  and  satisfaction. 
How  much  thou  owest  unto  thy  Lord !  O,  that  I 
may  be  a  faithful  steward  of  His  manv  mercies,  which 
are  very  many. 

2d  Day^  list. — Changeable,  unpleasant  weather, 
with  high  winds. 

T^d  Day^  22d. — A  line,  clear  dav.  Being  our 
Monthlv  Meeting,  William  Savery  laid  his  concern 
before  Friends  to  go  to  Charleston  on  a  religious 
visit,  which  was  concurred  with  and  a  certificate  di- 
rected. John  Skvrin  and  Ann  Drinker,  and  Jacob 
Tomkins  and  Hannah  Yerkes  made  proposals  of 
marriage. 


I79I-]  23 

\th  Day^  23^.  —  Employed  improving  my  yard 
and  border,  and  fixing  my  vines.  Weather  mild. — 
Wood  much  fallen  in  price. 

^th  Day^  i\th. — Had  a  bad  spell  of  the  headache 
to-day,  which  confined  me  mostly  to  the  house.  Have 
nearly  concluded  to  have  my  hair  ofF,  to  see  if  it  may 
not  be  a  means  of  relieving  me.  An  awful  evening, 
by  reason  of  the  thunder  and  lightning,  which  was 
very  sharp  and  loud  at  this  early  season  of  the  year. 

6//^  Day^  ^Sth. — Rain  in  the  night,  which  will 
forward  the  vegetation.  The  grass  has  come  forward, 
and  looks  fine  and  green ;  some  of  the  vines  push  out 
and  bleed.  William  Kenly's  son,  a  young  man  of  20, 
died  suddenly,  and  was  buried  to-day;  also,  William 
Heyshan's  wife,  who  also  died  very  suddenly. 

I  went  into  what  is  called  the  Church  burying- 
grtmnd,  and  viewed  the  little  spot  that  contains  the 
earthly  remains  of  Benjamin  Franklin,  once  so  popu- 
lar, and  noted  in  his  day  amongst  the  great  and  the 
learned,  but  death  has  now  brought  him  on  a  level 
with  the  meanest.  He  made  but  little  profession  as  to 
religion  in  his  life,  but  I  am  told  he  thought  it  of  some 
importance  near  his  close,  and  so  we  must  leave  him 
in  the  hands  of  Infinite  Mercy.  His  cold  bed  is  close 
up  to  the  north  wall,  near  the  north-west  corner. 

']th  Day^  2()th. — Our  Spring  Meeting  begins  to- 
day ;  many  Friends  from  the  country  attend  it.  Was 
poorly,  with  a  bad  cold  and  some  fever. 

1st  Day^  2']th. — Was  at  three  Meetings,  which 
were  favoured. 

2d  Day^  2.%th. — A  little  better  to-day,  so  that  I 
got  out  to  Meeting,  where  some  too  forward  spirits 


24  Cs^  ^^^'  29th, 

marred  the  work,  tho'  I  hope  some  were  benefitted 
by  the  opportunity  in  the  end,  as  they  waited  in  their 
own  gifts,  and  looked  to  the  Master  in  preference  to 
the  servants.      My  cold  yet  troublesome. 

3^  Day,  igth. — But  poorly — yet  attended  our 
Meeting  in  course,  which  was  comfortable,  Peter 
Yarnall  having  the  principal  service,  who  may  be 
justlv  allowed  to  be  a  great  minister.  Being  the 
adjournment  of  the  Monthly  Meeting,  a  certificate 
was  signed  for  William  Savery,  and  a  minute  for 
Thos.  Gaskill  his  companion,  on  his  intended  visit 
to  Charleston  and  some  parts  of  the  Southern  Gov- 
ernments. 

i\.tb  Day,  -T^oth. — Was  poorly,  and  did  not  do  much 
but  read,  more  especially  as  it  was  in  part  a  wet  day. 

5//;  Day,  31.^/. — March,  as  it  is  commonly  called, 
goes  out  to-day,  and,  according  to  the  common  pro- 
verb, like  a  lamb — that  is,  mild  and  moderate. 

6th  Day,  1st  of  Fourth  month. — This  is  vulgarly 
called  April  Fool's  Day.  How  simple  soever  customs 
long  established  may  be,  there  is  a  strange  aptitude  in 
the  people  to  keep  them  up;  several  devices  for  the 
purpose  of  gratifying  a  vain  and  unprofitable  vein  of 
humour,  were,  however,  ingenious  enough. 

']th  Day,  id. — Bought  some  garden  seeds,  with 
a  view  of  having  something  pleasant  in  my  yard  dur- 
ing the  Summer  season.  Sowed  and  planted  several 
things  in  the  pots,  for  the  ensuing  Summer,  and  was 
a  good  deal  engaged  most  part  of  the  day.  Cool  to- 
wards evening. 

1-^2'  Day,  ^d. — A  cool  morning  for  the  season. — 
Ice  in  our  yard  of  considerable  thickness.     Aly  lemon 


I79I-]  25 

and  orange  trees  a  good  deal  pinched.      At  Meeting 
three  times.      Tom  Jacobs  buried  to-day. 

^d  Day^  \ih. — White  frost  this  morning,  and 
clear.  Hannah  Haydock  deceased  at  New  York,  5th 
day,  31st  ult.,  after  a  long  illness  of  a  consumption. 
She  has,  I  think,  left  seven  children. 

The  European  Friends  left  town  to-day  for  the 
Jerseys,  and  it  is  likely  may  visit  New  England  before 
they  return.  Went  in  the  evening,  with  my  dear 
wife,  to  take  leave  of  our  valued  and  beloved  friend, 
William  Savery,  who  is  going  in  Truth's  service  to 
Charleston  by  sea,  with  an  intention  of  returning  by 
land.  May  the  Lord  preserve  him  every  way,  is  our 
ardent  desire,  and,  I  may  say,  prayer. 

3^  Day^  ^th. — Attended  3d  day  Meeting,  after 
which  the  adjournment  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  was 
held.  Afternoon  was  spent  about  some  temporal 
business.  Evening,  went  to  see  a  friend.  Am  a 
little  better  of  the  cold  I  have  had  for  some  weeks, 
I  find  I  have  but  a  slender  tenure  in  this  mortal  tab- 
ernacle. O,  may  I  be  prepared  and  fitted  for  a  bet- 
ter inheritance,  but  it  will  be  verified  that  thro'  much 
tribulation  we  enter,  and  if  at  all  it  will  be  through  in- 
finite mercy — not  of  works,  nor  of  him  that  luilleth^  nor 
of  him  that  runneth.,  but  of  God  that  sheweth  jnercy. 

John  Gracey,  an  aged  Friend  at  Haverford,  de- 
ceased lately,  more  than  four-score.  Also,  Jas.  Jones, 
of  Merion,  aged  92,  who  had  lived  to  prove  the  pro- 
verb, "once  a  man,  and  twice  a  child." 

The  weather  mild.  The  winter  grain,  'tis  said, 
looks  remarkably  well.  My  apricot  tree  in  full 
bloom. 


26  [4th  mo.  6th, 

\th  Day^  dth. — Went  to  market  for  some  gar- 
den seeds  ;  afterwards  took  a  walk  to  R.  A/Iorris'  place 
(about  three  miles)  for  some  vines,  and  when  I  got 
back  was  much  wearied.  Afternoon,  was  employed 
about  some  temporal  engagements,  which  I  hope  may 
be  useful  to  my  dear  children  at  least.  The  weather 
at  mid-day  pleasant,  tho'  I  am  informed  there  was 
frost  in  the  night. 

^th  Day^  'jth. — Rode  to  Henry  Gurney's  about 
business ;  afterwards  brought  Mother  Elliott  to  our 
house.  The  roads  mend  so  as  to  be  tolerable  in  some 
places.  Frost  for  several  mornings  past.  Attended 
to  the  improvements  going  on  in  my  yard. 

6th  Day^  Sth. — Qualified  at  the  Register's  Office 
to  act  as  one  of  the  Executors  of  my  dear  Aunt's  will. 
Read  and  wrote  as  usual,  at  intervals.  Our  dear 
friend  William  Savery  sailed  to-day  for  Charleston, 
on  a  religious  visit  to  that  libertine  city.  May  they 
profit  by  his  labours. 

Jth  Day^  ()th. — Attended  to  some  domestic  mat- 
ters. My  cold  nearly  worn  off",  having  been  poorly 
with  it  near  a  month.  Read  and  wrote  as  common. 
Mother  went  home  in  the  evening. 

1st  Day^  loth.- — At  three  Meetings.  Weather 
now  pleasant,  tho'  the  peach  trees  are  not  out  yet. 

id  Day ^  iith. — Was  about  town  on  business. — 
Attended  to  my  improvements  at  home.  Our  friend 
William  Savery  has  had  but  poor  winds  since  he  left 
us,  so  that  'tis  probable  he  may  have  what  is  called  a 
long  passage. 

3<^/  Day^  I2th. — Attended  Week-day  Meeting; 
Thomas   Fallet  in  testimony.      Weather  warm  and 


I79I.]  27 

growing.  Rain  afternoon  and  night,  refreshing  to  the 
face  of  nature.  Apricot  in  bloom.  Set  out  mv  orange 
trees.  Read  and  wrote  at  intervals  to  fill  up  precious 
time,  so  that  when  the  audit — the  great  audit — comes, 
which  must  come  upon  all,  I  may  not  be  ranked 
amongst  the  unprofitable  servants.  O,  this  would 
be  indeed  the  height  of  misery  ! 

^th  Da\^  13^^- — April  showers,  which  must  ben- 
efit the  creation.  How  blest  is  this  land.  Seed-time 
and  harvest,  day  and  night.  Summer  and  Winter,  are 
vet  vouchsafed.  Praise  the  Lord^  O  my  soul^  for  He 
hath  indeed  dealt  bountifully  zuith  thee.  Even  the  smal- 
ler links  in  the  creation,  the  blue-birds  and  martins, 
how  jovous,  skimming  the  air  and  chanting  their  Great 
Maker's  praise.  O,  mav  the  lord  of  the  great  system 
of  nature,  Man,  the  first  in  the  order  of  intelligence, 
not  be  deficient,  for  greatlv  indeed  are  we  indebted. 

^th  Day^  \\th. — At  Meeting  at  High  St.  Isaac 
Bartram  and  Sarah  Shipley  married.  April  showers. 
Esther,  wife  of  John  Morton,  deceased.  Riches  can- 
not avert  the  stroke  of  death  ;  all  must  submit  at  the 
appointed  time.  To  be  prepared  is,  therefore,  of  the 
utmost  importance.  See  to  it  in  good  earnest,  O,  my 
soul,  in  this  thy  dav. 

6/^  Da\\  i^th. — A  rainv  morning;  cleared  away 
about  noon,  and  was  fine.  My  apricot  tree  has  no 
fruit  on  it,  tho'  I  have  waited  seven  years  in  expecta- 
tion— so  have  concluded  to  cut  it  down.  May  I  not 
resemble  it  in  a  spiritual  sense.  Was  busy,  like  Mar- 
tha, to-dav.  About  noon  heard  of  the  decease  of  our 
honest  friend  Robert  Willis,  who  concluded  a  life  of 
70  and  upwards  at  Joseph  Kaighn's  near  Gloucester; 


28  [4th  mo.  1 6th, 

he  was  at  our  house  about  two  weeks  ago,  cheerful 
and  well.  I  trust  he  has  now  experienced  a  happy 
translation  from  works  to  rewards,  having  long  been 
a  labourer  in  the  Lord's  Vineyard,  in  this  country 
and  also  in  England.  He  was  a  plain  man,  like  Ja- 
cob, good  at  hearty  so  he  gained  favour  with  man,  and 
I  hope  with  his  Maker  too. 

Being  obliged  to  use  some  expedient  for  my  head- 
ache with  which  I  am  so  sorely  afflicted,  I  have  con- 
cluded to  cut  off  my  hair,  tho'  it  is  a  cross  to  me  in 
some  respects,  to  part  with  a  natural  covering  for  one 
which  is  not  so.  However,  I  believe  it  may  be  al- 
lowable in  some  cases,  in  order  to  obtain  relief  if  it 
may  be  had. 

"jth  Day^  i6th. — I  rose  this  morning  between  3 
and  4,  and  I  never  remember  to  have  seen  a  finer 
dawn :  the  mildness  of  the  air,  the  beauty  of  the  twink- 
ling luminaries,  the  healthful  smell  of  the  vegetating 
earth  after  a  refreshing  rain — all  conspired  to  raise  the 
mind  in  gratitude  and  devotion  to  the  Bounteous  Ben- 
efactor,  whose  will  is  that  His  children  should  be 
happy  here  and  hereafter,  and  the  great  cause  why 
they  are  not  so,  too  often  arises  from  their  own  im- 
prudence and  revolt  from  the  Divine  law  impressed 
on  every  mind,  and  that  sense  of  obligation  and  duty 
made  known  in  the  secret  of  the  heart — for  if  this 
were  enough  attended  to  and  obeyed,  it  would  prove 
the  high  road  to  felicity,  both  in  this  world  and  the 
next. 

1st  Day^  \']th. — Rose  early,  and  with  Johnny 
and  Caleb,  my  two  sons,  crossed  the  Delaware  to  J. 
Kaighn's,  in  order  to  be  at  the  burial  of  Robt.  Willis, 


I79I-]  29 

who  was  buried  at  Newtown,  after  a  solid  Meetino-. 
We  returned  about  4,  and  attended  evenino-  Aleetino- 
at  High  Street. 

^d  Day^  18^^. — The  weather  settled  and  fair. 
Wind  fixed  in  the  western  board.  Attended  Over- 
seers' Meeting  afternoon.  We  think  and  talk  of  dear 
William  Savery,  and  hope  he  is  in  Charleston  by  this 
time. 

3^  Day^  i()th. — Rose  early.  Weather  favoura- 
ble for  the  improvements  I  have  in  hand.  Attended 
Week-day  Meeting  in  course;  Preparative  Meeting 
afterwards,  which  sat  late.  Afternoon  was  much  en- 
gaged :  evening,  went  to  see  some  friends.  Cool  and 
windy. 

^th  Day^  10th. — Much  employed  this  morning. 
The  vegetation  much  advanced ;  peach  and  plum 
trees  in  full  bloom;  vines  shot  about  an  inch — some 
more.  They  look  hearty ;  perhaps  I  may  have  a  lit- 
tle fruit,  to  distinguish  the  kinds.  My  dear  wife  and 
I  went  to  see  some  friends  in  the  afternoon  and  even- 
ing. I  am  now  favoured  to  feel  pretty  comfortable 
and  well  in  health. 

Sth  Day^  2ist. — A  thick  fog  obscured  the  sun- 
beams, tho'it  broke  out  about  10,  and  continued  clear 
till  towards  evening,  when  it  rained  a  little ;  growing 
weather.  Nailed  up  some  of  my  vines.  Attended 
to  some  workmen  I  have  employed,  who  generally 
require  attention,  if  we  expect  things  done  to  good 
purpose.  In-doors  most  of  the  day,  and  favoured  to 
feel  pretty  well. 

.    6th  Day^  2id. — Up  about  4.      Read  and  wrote 
in  my  collection,  then   did  some  out-doors   work. 


30  [4th  mo.  23d, 

Weather,  clouds  and  sun  alternately ;  warm  enough 
to  be  pleasant  and  growing.  The  Great  Benefactor 
cares  for  His  whole  creation,  and  causes  His  rain  to 
descend  upon  the  just  and  the  unjust.  May  we  all 
prize  and  adore  His  mercy  and  goodness,  who  waits 
long  upon  the  children  of  men,  to  see  if  there  be  any 
that  will  return  and  seek  the  Lord. 

This  is  called  by  some  Good  Friday,  and  if  I 
preferred  one  day  to  another,  or  considered  one  day 
more  holy  than  another,  it  would  be  this  day,  on  which 
it  is  supposed  our  blessed  Saviour  suffered  without  the 
gates  of  Jerusalem,  a  propitiatory  sacrifice  for  the  sins 
of  mankind. 

'jth  Day^  2yi. — My  poor  head  was  very  sick  to- 
day, which  continued  'till  towards  evening,  and  made 
the  bed  the  most  proper  place  for  me  most  part  of  the 
day.  Could  eat  nothing  'till  afternoon.  May  be  this 
affliction  of  the  sick  headache  is  ordered  in  wisdom, 
to  keep  me  humble,  and  under  a  proper  sense  of  my 
insignificance  in  the  world,  of  myself,  and  entire  de- 
pendence on  the  Great  Creator  and  Benefactor  for 
every  blessing. 

I  think  'tis  near  time  to  sow  and  plant  some  flower 
seeds,  which  I  have  found  do  best  if  put  in  the  ground 
about  the  beginning  of  the  Fifth  month.  The  Fourth 
is  commonly  too  cold  for  tender  flowers,  which,  if 
they  get  stunted,  seldom  recover.  A  growing  rain 
in  the  evening  and  night.  How  the  creation  rejoices 
in  the  Almighty's  bounty. 

1st  Day^  i\th. — This  is  called  Easter  Sunday,  by 
the  Episcopalians,  Lutherans  and  Calvinists,  and  I 
hope  by  some  kept  sincerely  to  the  Lord  as  a  holy  day. 


on  account  of  our  blessed  Saviour's  resurrection   from 
the  dead.      A  dull,  growing  morning. 

2d  Day ^  l^th. — To  see  a  friend  from  Jersey,  who 
is  afflicted  with  a  cancer  in  his  breast,  of  long  stand- 
ing, and  is  here  in  town  under  the  doctor's  hand. — 
What  numerous  evils  the  human  frame  is  subject  to, 
and  how  thankful  ought  those  to  be  who  are  exempt 
from  such  heavy  dispensations  of  suffering  with  which 
very  manv  of  our  fellow-creatures  are  conversant. 

i^dDay\  26th. — Up  nearly  with  the  sun.  Walked 
to  Springettsbury,  about  some  stone  for  our  water-cis- 
tern ;  returned  to  breakfast.  My  son  Caleb  and  I 
had  a  verv  pleasant  walk — nature  being  in  her  gayest 
dress.  Heard  of  the  decease  of  Rebecca  Chambers, 
of  London  Grove,  who  was  buried  to-day.  Sydney 
Morrison  deceased.  Attended  our  ^Monthly  Meeting 
in  course,  which  sat  'till  about  2. 

\th  Day^  2'jth. — Engaged  about  some  improve- 
ments, viz.  a  water-cistern,  a  sink  out  of  the  kitchen, 
and  raising  my  yard  a  little  higher.  Much  fatigued 
in  the  evening. 

^th  Day^  2%th. — A  pleasant,  but  cool,  morning. 
Attended  Week-day  Meeting  at  High  Street.  After- 
wards finished  sowing  and  planting  flower  seeds.  Put 
down  500  herring  to-day,  from  Schuylkill,  which  some 
apprehend  are  the  best. 

bth  Day^  2()th. — Attended  to  my  outward  affairs 
most  part  of  this  day. 

ph  Day^  30/^. — Employed  much  as  the  former, 
tho'  did  not  neglect  to  read  a  portion  of  Holy  Writ. 

1st  Day^  1st  of  Fifth  month. — May  Day,  and  a  fine 
one  it  really  is.      Warm  enough  to  be  pleasant,  and  at 


02  [5th  mo.  2d, 

first  thought  we  might  suppose  such  weather,  were  it 
to  continue,  would  be  most  agreeable,  but  experience 
teaches  (and  nothing  more  effectually,)  that  the  vicis- 
situdes of  cold  and  heat,  fair  and  foul  weather,  are 
ordered  in  wisdom  incomprehensible,  to  render  us  the 
more  happy,  (if  all  is  well  within,)  for  by  a  contrast 
we  are  taught  more  to  prize  present  good,  when  we 
have  to  experience  the  effect  of  what  is  contrary 
thereto;  and  if  evil,  or  things  which  cross  our  in- 
clination, are  permitted,  then  to  stand  in  the  resigna- 
tion is  best,  having  confidence  in  the  Divine  promise 
that  all  things  shall  work  together  for  good  to  them 
who  love  and  fear  the  Great  Name.  Let  us  then,  in 
this  perilous  wilderness,  lean  on  the  Almighty  Arm  of 
Power,  doing  all  we  can  to  keep  a  conscience  void  of 
offence  towards  all  men,  and  more  especially  towards 
our  Great  Creator  and  Benefactor.  Then  will  things 
eventually  work  together  for  good,  and,  if  we  do  not 
see  it  at  the  present,  time  will  unfold  how  much  it  is 
for  our  profit.  The  husbandman  waiteth,  and  hath 
long  patience,  so  must  we,  for  we  cannot  sow  and 
reap  both  at  once — there  must  be  a  time  for  increase. 
Let  us  then  not  be  discouraged,  but  trust.  Trust  in 
the  Almighty,  who  will  order  all  things  for  the  best, 
and  we  shall  find  that  nothing  shall  harm  us,  if  we  are 
in  sincerity  followers  of  that  which  is  good. 

2d  Day^  2d. — Our  Quarterly  Meeting,  where  di- 
versitv  of  sentiment  appeared,  but  being  preserved  in 
the  quietude,  peace  was  preserved,  which  is  the  most 
desirable  of  all  things. 

3^  Da}\,  3^. — Our  Youth's  Meeting  to-day.  The 
younger  part  of  our  family  were  present,  but  my  Dear 


I79I-]  33 

and  I  found  freedom  to  stay  away,  having  some  en- 
gagements of  importance  on  hand,  which  could  scarcely 
be  conducted  without  my  attention  and  direction. 

^th  Day^  ^th. — This  day  engaged  with  some  im- 
provements about  my  dwelling,  which  go  on  with  a 
prospect  of  success,  tho'  the  care  and  expense  is  con- 
siderable. Fine  growing  weather.  The  grain,  'tis 
said,  looks  promising,  and  there  is  a  good  prospect 
for  fruit. 

^th  Da)\  ^th. — Engaged  about  building  my  water 
cistern — five  workmen  about  it — so  that  I  was  taken 
up  most  of  the  day.  Father  and  Mother  Elliott  came 
up  in  the  morning,  and  staid  'till  evening. 

6th  Day^  6th. — Cool  for  the  season ;  clear  north- 
erly wind,  which  was  very  high  and  blustering.  Was 
favoured  to  be  pretty  well  in  health. 

"jth  Day^  "jth. — Employed  to-dav  in  sundry  out- 
ward concerns.  Had  some  Friends  to  visit  us,  and 
when  evening  approached  could  not  charge  myself  with 
negligence  or  misspending  of  precious  time. 

1st  Day^  Sth. — At  Meeting  thrice.  All  silent  as 
to  vocal  testimony,  which,  though  uncommon,  never- 
theless may  be  all  right.  Heard  of  William  Savery 
getting  well  to  Charleston,  after  a  pretty  long  rough 
passage. 

id  Day^  (^th, — This  day  I  was  more  at  leisure 
than  common,  though  not  idle. 

'i^d  Day^  lOth. — Our  Weekly  Meeting,  and  ad- 
journment of  Monthly  Meeting  in  course.  Rebecca 
Jones,  Samuel  Emlen  and  Thomas  Scattergood,  all 
mentioned  their  intention  of  going  to  Long  Island 
Yearly   Meeting,  and  some  further. 

4* 


oA  [5th  mo.  iith, 

/\.th  Day^  nth. — This  day  a  good  deal  engaged  in 
some  temporal  matters.  Francis  Hopkinson  buried 
to-dav.  He  died  suddenly.  Had  made  some  bustle 
in  the  world,  but  his  life  and  death  proved  the  words 
of  the  wise  man  to  be  well  founded,  all  is  vanity  and 
vexation  of  spirit^  and  so  it  most  surely  is,  independent 
of  Divine  approbation  in  the  secret  of  our  own  hearts, 
but  that  is  a  sovereign  antidote,  when  well  and  truly 
experienced,  against  all  outward  evils. 

^th  Day^  ilth. — I  found  my  mind  easy  to  stay 
from  Meeting  to-day,  as  it  was  not  the  one  I  properly 
belong  to.  In  the  evening  was  poorly  with  the  head- 
ache, which  continued  all  night  very  bad. 

6th  Day^  13^/?. — My  headache  went  off  about 
noon,  and  I  was  able  to  attend  to  some  outward  con- 
cerns. Our  time  swiftly  passeth  away,  whether  we 
employ  it  well  or  ill.  We  are  instructed  to  believe  it 
is  to  be  registered,  to  be  hereafter  a  criterion  of  accep- 
tance or  rejection.  O,  may  we  ^^give  diligence  to  make 
our  calling  and  election  sure^^  ^^hefore  we  go  hence  and 
are  seen  of  men  no  more.'"  I  mean  you,  my  dear  chil- 
dren, for  perhaps  few  or  none  but  you  will  be  privy  tOj, 
these  notes  and  short  observations  which  I  have  oc- 
casionally penned. 

']th  Day.,  \\th. — A  very  soaking  rain  last  night, 
which  in  all  probability  will  prove  a  great  blessing  to 
the  land,  the  last  two  weeks  being  exceedingly  dry  and 
dusty,  so  that  nature  languished,  that  is  the  vegetable 
part  of  it. 

\st  Day.,  i^th. — At  Meeting  thrice,  where  there 
was  good  service  for  Truth.  What  can  we  do  bet- 
ter, or  more   for  the  peace  of  our  minds,  than  to  put 


I79I-]  35 

ourselves  in  the  way  of  receiving  good,  spiritual  good, 
and,  if  strength  is  afforded,  lift  up  our  hearts  to  our 
great  Creator  and  Benefactor  in  thankfulness  for  His 
innumerable  blessings.  Time  is  short,  and  swiftlv 
passeth  away.  O,  my  soul,  work  whilst  it  is  yet  day, 
that  so  the  everlastino-  nio-ht  may  not  overtake  thee 
unprepared. 

id  Day ^  i6th. — Was  much  engaged  about  tem- 
poral things,  which,  tho'  necessary  to  be  attended  to 
and  prudently  conducted,  if  suffered  too  much  to  en- 
gross our  time  and  thoughts,  do  but  embarrass  and 
clog  the  better  part,  and  sway  us  down  to  earth  and 
things  of  no  real  moment  or  importance.  O,  then, 
for  a  more  lixely  attention  and  concern  for  the  one 
thing  needful,  and  to  build  beyond  the  reach  of  sor- 
row, pain  and  disappointment.  Went,  in  the  even- 
ing, to  see  a  friend. 

T^d  Day^  i']th. — At  Meeting  in  course,  John  Sky- 
ren  and  Ann  Drinker  were  married.  The  best  wine 
was  at  the  last;  after  the  Meeting  for  worship  the 
Preparative  Meeting  was  held.  Evening,  at  Thomas 
Scattergood's ;  his  children  have  the  small  pox.  Sey- 
mour Hart's  grand-child  died  suddenly.  Mary  Hol- 
ton,  a  young  woman,  buried. 

^th  Day^  i^th. — Three  months  to-dav  since  my 
dear  Aunt  Mary  Armitt  died.  A  fine,  pleasant  day, 
the  creation  being  much  benefitted  by  the  late  season- 
able  rains.  Johnny  went  to  Joseph  Pickering's,  in 
Bucks  Co.,  30  odd  miles,  with  E.  Langdale.  I  have 
some  prospect  of  going  to  New  England  this  Summer. 

^th  Day^  i()th. — Engaged  to-day  about  paving 
mv  yard  and  completing  our  water  cistern,  which  we 


36  [5th  mo.  20th, 

expect  will  contain  12  or  14  hogsheads.      Went  to  see 
a  friend  in  the  evening. 

6th  Day^  20th. — A  fine  rain  in  the  night,  which 
continued  part  of  the  forenoon,  a  blessing  to  the  land, 
producing  food  for  man  and  the  creatures  placed  un- 
der his  superintendence.  I  have  my  hands  full  of 
employment  of  one  kind  or  another,  but  'tis  better 
to  be  so  than  idle,  for  the  idle  are  frequently  a  bur- 
then to  themselves  and  others,  and  oftentimes  do  but 
little  good  to  their  neighbours  or  those  they  are  inti- 
mately connected  with. 

']th  Day^  21st. — Continued  engaged  about  secu- 
lar affairs,  and  find,  as  heretofore,  that  when  they  are 
permitted  to  engross  too  much  of  our  time  they  choke 
the  precious  seed,  and  divert  the  mind  from  things  of 
the  greatest  importance;  let  us,  then,  watch  the  door 
of  the  heart.  Am  favoured  with  tolerable  health,  for 
which  I  desire  to  be  truly  thankful,  knowing  it  to  be 
one  of  the  greatest  blessings. 

1st  Day^  2id. — Had  the  headache  most  of  the 
day,  tho'  I  attended  Meetings,  which  were  satisfactory 
and  to  mv  comfort. 

2d  Day^  ii^d. — This  day  employed  in  various 
concerns  that  occurred. 

3^  Day^  l\th. — At  our  Monthly  Meeting  to-day 
I  acquainted  Friends  that  I  found  my  mind  drawn  to 
accompany  my  beloved  friend  Thomas  Scattergood 
on  his  religious  visit  to  New  England,  with  which 
the  Meeting  concurred,  and  a  minute  was  directed  on 
the  occasion.  In  the  evening,  with  mv  dear  wife, 
visited  brother  Joshua  and  family. 


I79I-]  37 

^th  Da}\  2^th. — My  wife's  ancient  parents  spent 
the  day  with  us.  They  are  exceedingly  feeble,  but  I 
hope  preserved  in  a  good  degree  of  fitness  for  a  re- 
moval to  a  better  state  when  it  mav  please  the  Great 
Disposer  of  events  to  call  them  from  the  troubles  of 
time,  having  been,  for  a  length  of  years,  circumspect 
and  exemplary  in  life  and  con\'ersation.  Had  a  spell 
of  my  old  complaint. 

^th  Day^  26th. — This  day  I  had  my  hair  cut  off, 
in  hope  of  its  proving  beneficial  to  the  disorder  I  have 
so  long  laboured  under,  and  suffered  so  much  pain  and 
misery  from,  night  and  day,  for  thirty  or  more  years. 

6th  Day^  2']th. — This  day  was  occupied  in  part 
preparing  for  my  journey  to  New  England,  and  an- 
other part  in  entertaining  several  Friends  who  visited 
us  on  account  of  my  intention  of  going  from  home  for 
a  few  months. 

7//?  I^ay^  2%th. — A  fine  morning,  nature  in  full 
lustre.  The  creation  may  be  said  to  be  now  in  her 
best  robe,  the  blessing  of  the  Great  Creator  being  ev- 
idently over  His  works,  which  calls  for  thankfulness, 
for  who  can  count  the  number  of  mercies  bestowed? 

I  now  begin  with  my  Journey  to  New  England, 


% 

38  [i^h  mo.  29th, 


MY  JOURNEY 

TO 

New  England. 


ist  Day,  5th  Mo.,  29th,  1791. 

After  attending  the  morning  Meeting  at  our  North 
Meeting  House,  left  my  own  habitation  half  after  one, 
in  company  with  my  beloved  friend  and  Cousin, 
Thomas  Scattergood,  who  intends  for  New  England 
in  Truth's  service.  Got  to  Burlington  about  six,  to 
a  Meeting  appointed  for  the  inhabitants  of  that  place, 
which  proved  a  favoured  opportunity,  much  seasona- 
ble exhortation  and  counsel  being  communicated  in  a 
good  degree  of  Gospel  authority,  and  I  trust  the  la- 
bour bestowed  may  prove  beneficial  to  some  present. 
The  Meeting  concluded  with  prayer.  Visited  a  sick 
person  in  the  evening.  Lodged  at  John  Hoskins' 
and  was  favoured  to  feel  pretty  well  in  health. 

2d  Day^  T^oth. — Rose  about  4,  and  after  breaking 
our  fast,  set  out  about  6.  Called  to  see  a  widow  wo- 
man, who  was  supposed  to  be  near  her  end.  My 
companion  was  favoured  with  a  word  of  consolation 
suitable  to  her  low  condition  of  mind  and  body. — 
Reached  John  Wright's,  at   Crosswick's,  about    10, 


I79I-]  39 

and  sat  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Chesterfield,  which 
concluded  about  4.  iVfter  dining  went  in  the  evening 
to  Jacob  Middleton's,  in  whose  family  we  had  an  even- 
ing sitting  with  divers  Friends  who  were  present  to 
good  satisfaction.  From  hence  I  had  an  opportunity 
to  write  to  mv  dear  wife. 

2^d  Day^  31^/. — This  was  the  Youth's  Aleeting 
day  at  Crosswick's,  in  which  my  beloved  friend  and 
kinsman  was  largely  drawn  forth  to  a  large  audience, 
consisting  of  a  mixed  multitude,  and  I  trust  his  fer- 
vent labour  will  be  profitable  to  the  encouragement  of 
many  seeking  religious  minds  who  were  present,  and 
came,  some  of  them,  from  a  considerable  distance. — 
After  the  conclusion  of  this  Meeting,  we  set  out  and 
rode,  in  a  heavv  rain,  to  Benjamin  Clark's,  at  Stonv 
Brook,  about  12  miles.  We  were  much  wet,  but 
were  favoured,  so  that  we  did  not  take  much  cold. 

^th  Da\^  lit  of  Sixth  fnonth. — About  6  we  set  off, 
in  a  drizzlv  morning,  for  Rahway,  35  miles.  Got 
to  Brunswick  about  12,  where  we  dined,  and  after- 
wards proceeded  on  our  journey,  and  arrived  at  our 
quarters  at  Joseph  Shotwell's,  about  7  in  the  evening. 
Our  horse  performed  well,  tho'  the  roads  were  \  erv 
heavy,  owing  to  the  heavv  rain  of  the  preceding  day. 
Had  a  sittins;  in  the  familv  in  the  evenino-. 

^th  Dax^  id. — -Morning  was  foggy  and  but  little 
wind,  yet  cleared  awav  about  8.  Mv  companion  con- 
cluded to  stav  the  Week-day  Meeting  here  at  Rah- 
wav,  which  was  a  comfortable  time,  his  testimonv 
being  consolatory  to  the  sincere  in  heart,  as  well  as 
cautionarv  to  the  neslio-ent.  After  we  had  dined  at 
Joseph   Shotwell's^   he  accompanied  us  to   Elizabeth 


40  [6th  mo.  3d, 

Town  Point.  The  boat  got  under  way  about  4,  and 
we  had  a  rough  passage  over  the  Bay  about  15  miles 
to  New  York,  where  we  arrived  about  7,  and  took  up 
our  quarters  at  James  Parson's,  in  Queen  Street. 

6th  Day^  3^. — Walked  around  part  of  the  city, 
which  is  much  improved  since  I  was  here  last.  Called 
in  to  see  several  Friends.  About  noon  some  Friends 
returned  from  the  Yearly  Meeting  on  Lt)ng  Island, 
which  has  just  concluded,  our  European  women  Friends 
Mary  Ridgway  and  Jane  Watson  being  of  the  num- 
ber. Afternoon  was  at  Thomas  Dobson's,  but  he 
beino;  on  Long  Island,  we  staid  tea  with  his  daughter 
Peggy,  who  is  lately  married  to  Isaac  Sharpless.  Af- 
terwards called  in  to  see  the  family  of  John  Dean, 
where  Cousin  Thomas  was  enabled  to  impart  some 
suitable  counsel  to  his  wife  and  some  of  their  children 
present,  who  have  of  later  years  been  largely  exercised 
in  the  school  of  affliction.  We  also  paid  a  short  visit 
to  Richard  Lawrence's  daughter,  lately  married,  and 
removed  to  this  place  from  Shrewsbury. 

']th  Day^  \th. — Much  rain  in  the  night,  which 
continued  'till  break  of  day.  After  it  held  up,  went 
on  board  Captain  Layton's  vessel,  and  engaged  our 
passages  to  Newport.  Dined,  by  invitation,  at  Wil- 
liam Shotwell's,  with  the  European  and  other  Friends. 
About  noon  men  Friends  from  the  Yearly  Meeting  at 
Westbury  came  to  town.  Afternoon  was  employed 
in  setting  our  horse  and  chaise  on  board,  in  order  to 
be  ready  for  sailing  in  the  morning.  We  got  our  horse 
on  board  late  in  the  evening;  they  hoisted  him  up  in 
slings,  and  lowered  him  into  the  hold  with  two  others, 
without  difficulty  or  danger.      Delivered   R.  Jones  a 


I79I-]  4-1 

letter  I  brought  from  Philadelphia,  and  spent  part  of 
the  evening  at  Edmund  Prior's. 

1st  Day^  sth, — A  clear  cool  morning.  Forenoon 
Meeting  silent,  which  was  somewhat  remarkable,  so 
many  public  ministers  being  present.  Dined  at  James 
Parson's.  Afternoon  Meeting,  Mary  Ridgway  ap- 
peared on  the  subject  of  carrying  so  much  earth  about 
us.  Advised  to  disincumber  ourselves  as  fast  as  pos- 
sible, that  we  might  be  enabled  to  make  some  advances 
in  our  spiritual  journey.  Tea  at  our  lodgings.  Sev- 
eral Friends  kindly  came  to  see  us.  In  the  evening 
was  engaged  in  some  necessary  matters  preparatory  to 
our  little  voyage  to-morrow. 

id  Day^  6th, — Took  breakfast  early.  About  7 
went  on  board  Captain  Layton's  vessel.  Jas.  Bring- 
hurst,  with  his  wife  and  son  Edward,  were  our  fellow- 
passengers.  Went  through  a  narrow  passage  com- 
monly called  Hell  Gate,  about  10,  safe  and  well,  tho' 
the  wind  was  a  good  deal  ahead.  Passed  many  hand- 
some seats  on  the  two  shores  of  Long  and  York  Is- 
lands. About  one,  began  to  open  what  is  called  the 
Sound,  between  Long  Island  and  the  mainland.  Was 
not  sick  so  far,  and  found  some  appetite  to  dinner. 
Passed  by  to-day — Hell  Gate,  Frog's  Point,  Stony 
Point,  City  Island,  Cow  Bay,  Hempsted  Harbour, 
(here  the  land  looks  like  gardens  by  the  river  side,) 
Matinicock  Point,  Oyster  Bay,  Lloyd's  Neck,  Eden's 
Neck,  and  then  New  Haven  on  the  Connecticut  shore. 
Made  pretty  good  way  in  the  night,  tho'  the  wind  was 
not  very  favourable ;  run  about  40  miles,  so  that  we 
were  abreast  of  Negro  Point  when  the  sun  rose — this 
Point  is  reckoned  halfway  between  New  York  and 


42  [6th  mo.  yth, 

Newport.  I  did  not  get  much  sleep,  tho'  on  the 
whole,  felt  pretty  comfortable.  Our  Captain  stood 
the  deck  through  the  night,  being  a  careful  experienced 
man. 

3^  Day^  ']th — About  lO  A.  M.  the  wind  fell,  and 
the  tide  being  against  us,  our  Captain  came  to,  and  we 
lay  at  anchor  'till  i  o'clock.  Several  vessels  passed  us 
bound  for  New  York.  Getting  under  way  again,  we 
passed  Oyster  Pond  Point,  and  came  in  sight  of  Plum 
Island;  here  Connecticut  River  opens  into  the  Sound: 
on  which  river  is  Saybrook,  and  further  on  is  Lyme,  a 
sea-port.  As  we  advanced  we  passed  by  the  light-house 
at  the  entrance  of  New  London  Harbour,  then  Groton 
andgStonington — towns  in  Connecticut  State.  On  the 
right  hand  we  passed  by  Gull  Island,  and  then  en- 
tered what  is  called  the  Horse  Race,  from  an  extra- 
ordinary swift  tide,  which  here  runs  rapidly.  After- 
wards we  went  by  Gardner's  and  Fisher's  Islands. 
Block  Island  is  here  just  discernible. 

After  a  run  of  35  miles  from  Fisher's  Island,  we 
came  abreast  of  Point  Judith,  which  is  rocky,  and 
sometimes  dangerous  in  stormy  seasons.  Montauk 
Point,  the  East  end  of  Long  Island,  here  terminates, 
after  which  appears  the  open  ocean.  A  number  of 
boats  were  out  hereabouts  fishing  for  mackerel;  we 
caught  a  couple,  which  served  us  for  supper.  About 
10  we  turned  into  our  berths,  and  near  i,  all  being 
quiet,  I  went  out  upon  deck,  and  found  we  were  safe 
at  anchor  in  Newport  Harbour.  In  a  few  minutes 
Captain  Cahoon's  vessel,  on  board  of  which  were  our 
Women  Friends  and  many  other  passengers,  passed 
by  and  hailed  us,  and  ran  in  to  the  wharf  at  Newport. 


I79I-]  ,    43 

4/^  Day^  Sth. — At  break  of  day  our  Captain  hauled 
up  his  anchor,  and  came  alongside  the  wharf.  Soon 
after  Benjamin  Hadwen  came  and  invited  us  to  his 
father,  John  Hadwen's,  house,  where  we  went. — - 
Thomas  Robinson  and  his  son  met  us  by  the  way, 
and  invited  us  to  his  home.  We  soon  got  our  horse 
and  chaise  on  shore,  and  then  dined  on  fish  which  are 
here  very  plenty  and  good.  After  dinner  walked  out 
in  the  town,  which,  we  were  informed,  contained  about 
7,000  inhabitants.  Drank  tea  at  Thomas  Robinson's, 
with  the  European  Friends  and  others.  In  the  even- 
ing wrote  a  letter  to  my  dear  wife,  to  go  by  the  packet 
to-morrow. 

^th  Day^  ()th, — After  a  good  night's  rest — not 
having  had  my  clothes  off  the  two  preceding  nights — 
about  9,  rode  to  Portsmouth,  8  miles,  where  the  Yearly 
Meeting  begins  to-day.  This  was  the  most  pleasant 
ride  we  have  had  since  we  left  home,  the  road  being 
very  good,  and  the  prospect,  both  going  and  returning, 
extensive  and  diversified  with  land  and  water — high 
ridges  of  the  main-land,  and  an  open  view  of  the  ocean 
and  a  number  of  islands.  The  fields,  enclosed  with 
stone  fences,  looked  like  gardens,  with  grain  and  grass 
in  high  vigour. 

The  Meeting  was  large — full  as  many  as  the 
house  could  contain.  Many  Friends  attend  it  from 
great  distances.  Dined  at  Sampson  Shearman's,  who 
has  eleven  children,  six  of  them  daughters  nearly  grown 
up,  and  promise  fair  to  make  good  wives.  Returned 
to  our  quarters  at  Newport  in  the  evening.  After- 
wards went  to  see  Dorcas  Earl's  and  Captain  Layton's 
families,  and  after  dark  had  a  comfortable  sitting  a 


44  [6th  mo.  loth, 

our  lodgings,  in  which  Cousin  Thomas  appeared  with 
encouraging  matter  to  some  states  present,  and  Sarah 
Lundy  prayed  with  great  fervency.  My  companion 
also  was  concerned  in  testimony  at  Portsmouth,  in  the 
forenoon. 

dth  Day^  loth. — The  air  moderate,  and  pleasant 
for  the  season ;  rested  well  in  the  night.  About  six- 
teen Friends  are  accommodated  with  lodgings  at 
Friend  Hadwen's;  Sarah  Lundy,  one  of  them,  who 
purposes  to  visit  Nova  Scotia  before  she  returns  to 
her  own  habitation. 

At  1 1  the  Meeting  for  Worship  began,  at  which 
appeared  Mehetabel  Jenkins  first,  then  Sarah  Lundy, 
Jane  Watson,  and  Mary  Ridgway — the  latter  also  in 
supplication.  The  opportunity  was  solid  and  weighty, 
and  I  believe  the  power  of  Truth  generally  operated 
so  as  to  suppress  and  keep  down  any  improper  or  un- 
becoming behaviour  in  a  mixed  gathering,  supposed 
to  be  1800. 

Dined  at  Thomas  Robinson's,  took  a  dish  of  tea 
at  Captain  Layton's,  and  in  the  evening  had  a  com- 
fortable sitting  at  our  quarters,  where  T.  S.  appeared 
in  testimony,  and  S.  Lundy  in  prayer,  to  the  satisfac- 
faction  and  strengthening  of  most  or  all  who  were 
present. 

'jth  Day^  nth. — A  fine  morning.  Walked  to 
the  pasture  to  see  our  horse,  and  find  he  fares  well — 
in  clover  up  to  his  eyes.  Attended  the  Meeting  for 
business  in  the  morning,  and  dined  at  Elizabeth  Hunt- 
ington's, (Ruth  Bringhurst's  sister). 

Afternoon  was  present  at  a  committee  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting.     Drank  tea  at  John  Earl's,  where 


I79I-]  4-5 

we  had  a  sitting,  in  which  Patience  Brayton  and  Me- 
hetabel  Jenkins  had  something  comfortable  to  offer  to 
the  sincere  in  heart  present.  In  the  evening  there 
were  upwards  of  40  Friends  at  our  lodgings. 

1st  Day^  1 1th. — A  pleasant  morning.  Sarah  Lun- 
dy  attended  Portsmouth  Meeting.  At  Newport,  Thos. 
Scattergood,  Jane  Watson  and  Mary  Ridgway  appeared 
in  testimony,  all  with  good  authority,  to  a  crowded 
audience,  many  of  them  not  of  our  community,  who, 
I  beheve,  were  well  satisfied.  Dined  with  the  Euro- 
pean Friends  and  others,  at  Captain  Layton's. 

Afternoon  Meeting,  Mary  Ridgway,  Saml.  Em- 
len  and  Thomas  Scattergood  had  the  service,  all  with 
clearness  and  propriety.  Some  thought  there  were 
not  much  less  than  2000  present,  tho'  not  more  than 
one-half  Friends. 

At  tea  at  David  Williams'  who  with  his  wife,  a 
daughter  of  John  Dockra,  are  a  promising  young  cou- 
ple. Went  afterwards  to  Thomas  Robinson's  at  the 
Point,  and  received  a  share  of  the  good  which  was 
dispensing  in  a  family  sitting  when  we  went  in.  When 
it  concluded,  returned  to  our  lodgings,  and  had  another 
evening  sitting,  in  which  T.  S.  and  S.  Lundy  both 
appeared. 

This  day  received  my  dear  wife's  letter  of  the 
6th  inst.,  which  was  truly  acceptable  and  satisfactory. 
Captain  Earl  arrived  to-day,  to  the  rejoicing  of  his 
family.  Retired  to  rest  about  10,  and  slept  well  'till 
the  day  dawned. 

7.d  Day^  I'^th — The  weather  continues  fine. — 
Took  breakfast  at  Ann  Carpenter's.  She  has  three 
daughters,  all  promising  young  people,  and  appears  to 


^6  [6th  mo.  14th, 

live  comfortably ;  is  a  meek-spirited  agreeable  Friend, 
who  thro'  tribulation  of  various  kinds,  I  hope,  will  be 
favoured  to  reach  the  Port  of  Rest  in  due  time,  as 
she  holds  her  integrity  to  the  end. 

3^  Day^  \\th. — Meeting  did  not  sit  'till  2  to-day, 
to  give  time  to  the  committee  to  do  their  business. 
Dined  at  Captain  Earl's,  and  called  to  see  his  married 
daughter,  wife  of  Obadiah  Williams,  who  appears  to 
be  well  settled ;  her  husband  is  a  saddler. 

The  last  sitting  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  was  held 
this  day,  and  the  business  concluded  about  6  in  the 
evening,  and  my  companion  and  myself,  with  other 
strangers  present,  had  our  testimonials  endorsed. — 
Drank  tea  at  Giles  Honer's,  who,  I  soon  discovered, 
was  an  Englishman,  but  had  been  many  years  in  this 
country.  He  was  an  intimate  acquaintance  of  John 
Hadwen,  being  both  from  Old  England. 

Had  a  solid  evening  sitting  at  our  lodgings — 
about  thirty  present.  T.  S.  was  large  and  satisfac- 
tory; S.  Lundy  was  concerned  in  supplication.  Re- 
tired to  rest  about  11,  and  slept  well. 

A^th  Day^  isth. — This  day  wrote  to  my  dear  wife, 
by  Edward  Bringhurst,  who  purposes  to  sail  this  even- 
ing.     Many  Friends  going  out  of  town. 

Called  to-day  to  see  Hetty  EUery,  who  confirmed 
the  idea  I  had  long  entertained,  that  those  who  turn 
their  backs  on  the  Truth  in  which  they  have  been 
educated  cannot  be  in  possession  of  true  happiness, 
which  can  only  be  attained  to  by  a  steady  attention  and 
obedience  to  the  dictates  of  pure  wisdom  in  the  secret 
of  our  own  minds:  for  however  worldly  advantages 
may  be  possessed  and  enjoyed,  there  will  be  a  worm 


I79I-]  47 

at  the  bottom  of  the  gourd,  which  finally  will  destroy 
its  pleasant  shade  and  comfort. 

Dined  at  my  lodgings,  on  fish — this  place  of  New- 
port being  generally  allowed  to  be  the  best  market  for 
that  article  in  North  America. 

I  have  now  been  eight  days  in  Newport,  and  had 
an  opportunity  of  seeing  and  being  conversant  among 
Friends  who  are  universally  courteous  and  respectful, 
particularly  Friend  Hadwen's  family  where  we  make 
our  home,  who,  with  his  good  wife  and  most  of  the 
children,  are  remarkable  for  that  courteous  demeanor 
which,  when  joined  to  good  understanding,  seldom 
or  never  fails  to  gain  love  and  general  approbation. 

In  the  afternoon,  took  a  little  ride  with  Peggy 
Hadwen  to  a  place  which  goes  by  the  name  of  Pur- 
gatory, being  a  large  rock,  split  or  separated  by  some 
great  concussion  in  nature  perhaps,  as  the  chasm  ap- 
pears evidently  to  have  been  once  united.  The  space 
or  separation  appears  to  be  6  or  8  feet  wide,  and  20 
or  30  feet  deep,  to  the  level  of  the  water  below,  which 
in  stormy  times  dashes  in  with  great  violence. 

Here  is  an  open  view  of  the  sea,  and  in  going  to 
this  part  of  the  island  I  passed  by  the  place  where  my 
dear  wife,  about  28  years  ago,  went  into  the  salt  water, 
in  hopes  of  its  being  beneficial  to  her  health. 

This  evening  we  had  a  sitting  in  the  family,  when 
our  friend  T.  Scattergood  had  a  word  of  encourage- 
ment to  the  well-minded. 

^th  Day^  i6th. — This  was  Newport  Week-day 
Meeting,  at  which  our  European  Women  Friends 
were  present.  Mary  Ridgway  was  engaged  in  testi- 
mony, in  which  she  had  to  mention  the  great  exercise 


48  [6th  mo.  17th, 

of  her  mind  since  she  came  to  this  place,  and  the 
prospect  she  had  of  a  heavy  cloud  which  hung  over 
this  island.  What  it  contained  she  had  not  yet 
been  favoured  to  discover,  but  to  her  spiritual  eye  it 
appeared  very  black  and  dark,  and  she  had  a  sense 
given  her  that  in  the  end  it  would  burst  on  some  of 
the  inhabitants  of  this  land,  and  its  effects  would  be 
equally  dreadful  with  the  fire  and  brimstone  which  was 
ancientlv  by  the  Lord  rained  down  upon  the  people  of 
Sodom ;  and  her  desire  was  that  the  professors  of  the 
blessed  Truth  amongst  us  might  seek  in  time  to  Him 
whose  Name  and  Power  only  could  prove  a  refuge 
from  the  storm,  and  an  invincible  defence  in  every 
exigency  and  danger,  concluding  with  something  con- 
solatory to  the  upright  and  sincere  in  heart,  who  should 
witness  preservation  under  the  wing  of  Everlasting 
Mercy  and  Love. 

Dined  at  our  lodgings,  with  many  other  Friends, 
after  which  Mary  Ridgway  was  concerned  in  a  family 
sitting  to  speak  to  the  states  of  divers  present  with  the 
voice  of  consolation  and  encouragement.  Latter  part 
of  the  afternoon  went  with  Peggy  Hadwen  to  see 
Gould  Marsh  and  family.  The  evening  was  spent 
at  home,  pleasant  and  cheerful,  yet  I  trust  innocent. 

6th  Day^  I'jth. — After  breakfast  my  companion 
and  self,  with  the  European  and  many  other  Friends, 
went  over  to  Connanicut,  about  3  miles,  to  an  ap- 
pointed Meeting.  This  island  is  fruitful  and  pleasant, 
about  9  miles  long  and  i  broad.  We  passed  by  sev- 
eral smaller  ones  in  going  over.  The  Meeting  was 
comfortable  and  satisfactory.  Mary  Ridgway  and 
Jane  Watson  had  the  principal  service. 


I79I-]  49 

Mary's  testimony  was  adapted  to  the  state  of  the 
audience,  who  appeared  to  be  a  sober  and  well  inclined 
people,  who  had  not  many  opportunities  of  religious 
instruction.  They  were  affectionately  recommended 
to  the  Word  nigh  in  the  heart,  which  is  sufficient  to 
lead  its  faithful  followers  into  all  Truth,  as  it  is  dili- 
gently obeyed. 

We  dined  at  Joseph  Green's,  near  the  ferry,  about 
30  or  more  of  us,  and  were  kindly  entertained.  His 
son  married  John  Earl's  daughter.  We  returned  to 
Newport  in  the  evening,  and  were  wet  with  a  fine 
shower,  which  'tis  likely  may  prove  beneficial  to  the 
thirsty  land  which  languished  for  refreshment. 

After  I  returned,  wrote  a  long  letter  to  my  son 
Caleb  by  Edward  Bringhurst,  who  has  been  some  days 
detained,  by  reason  of  the  wind  being  ahead.  Had 
something  of  the  headache  in  the  evening,  and  went 
to  bed  early,  and  after  a  painful  night  was  favoured  to 
be  pretty  comfortable  when  the  day  broke ;  and  so  I 
rose  early,  which  I  found  to  be  refreshing  to  my  out- 
ward frame  and  strengthening  to  my  mind. 

'jth  Day^  iStb. — This  day  we  had  no  Meeting; 
my  companion  went  to  see  some  of  the  children  of 
affliction.  Dined  at  home  on  black-fish  and  plaice — 
both  very  good  fish — which  article  the  inhabitants  of 
Newport  are  supplied  with,  both  plenty  and  cheap,  all 
the  year  round. 

Afternoon,  took  a  ride  with  Peggy  and  Dorcas 
Hadwen  and  Sally  Dennis,  to  Samuel  Elam's  place  or 
farm,  about  5  miles  from  town,  where  we  took  tea. 
His  house  is  in  elegant  style.  Walked  around  his 
garden,  and  some  part  of  his  land  near  the  shore,  and 


50  [6th  mo.  19th, 

saw  a  large  button-wood  tree,  which  they  said  meas- 
ured six  yards  around  the  body.  Had  a  delightful 
ride  home,  where  we  arrived  in  the  close  of  the 
evening. 

J  St  Day^  i()th, — At  morning  Meeting  our  friend 
Hugh  Judge,  from  Wilmington,  in  the  Delaware  State, 
who  has  been  in  those  parts  about  15  months  or  more, 
was  engaged  in  testimony  and  prayer.  Dined  at  Giles 
Honer's.  The  afternoon  Meeting  was  silent,  but 
satisfactory.  Walked  to  our  quarters  in  a  fine  rain, 
which  will  doubtless  do  much  good  in  the  vegetable 
kingdom,  now  in  its  pride. 

After  tea  had  a  sitting  in  the  family,  when  my 
companion  was  concerned  to  exercise  his  ministerial 
gift,  and  was  engaged  to  speak  to  the  aged  and  also  to 
the  youth  present,  by  way  of  encouragement  and  com- 
fort. Divers  Friends  called  in  to  see  us  in  the  even- 
ing, which  passed  in  pleasant  conversation,  and  we 
retired  to  rest  a  httle  after  10,  with  a  view  of  leaving 
this  place  to-morrow  morning. 

Two  inhabitants  of  this  town  were  interred  to- 
day. From  what  I  have  experienced  in  respect  to  the 
weather  so  far,  I  judge  it  to  be  several  degrees  cooler 
on  this  island  than  at  my  native  place.  The  air  from 
the  sea  surrounding  it  makes  it  full  a  garment  cooler, 
and  very  pleasant  and  healthy,  so  that  in  the  heat  of 
Summer  here  is  a  great  resort  of  strangers  from  the 
Southern  parts  of  the  continent. 

2d  Day ^  20th. — My  companion  being  easy  to  leave 
Newport,  we  set  off  about  9,  and  crossed  the  river 
which  separates  Rhode  Island  from  the  main-land,  at 
Fogland's  Ferry,  to  which  Barney  and  Dorcas  Had- 


I79I.]  51 

wen  bore  us  company.     We  had  but  an  unfavourable 
passage  over,  being  about  a  mile  wide. 

Soon  after  we  landed,  we  dined  at  a  friendly  man's 
house,  where  my  companion  was  exercised  in  his  gift, 
just  before  we  set  ofF,  to  about  half  a  dozen  sober  per- 
sons who  were  present,  and  not  of  our  Society. 

We  then  put  forward  for  Bedford,  by  the  lower 
road  over  Hicks'  Bridge,  and  riding  over  20  miles  of 
the  roughest  and  most  stony  land  I  ever  saw,  reached 
Abraham  Russel's,  at  Bedford,  about  9  at  night,  where 
we  understood  that  our  Women  Friends,  with  Samuel 
Emlen,  Sarah  Lundy,  and  divers  others,  had  got  into 
William  Rotch's  a  little  while  before  us. 

We  also  were  informed  that  Capt.  Parker  pur- 
posed to  sail  at  the  6th  hour  in  the  morning  for  Nan- 
tucket, with  whom  we  concluded  to  embark.  We 
left  our  horse  and  chaise  under  the  care  of  our  kind 
friend  Russel. 

This  town  of  Bedford  is  a  little  sea-port,  and 
most  of  the  inhabitants  are  concerned  in  the  fishing 
trade — particularly  those  of  the  Rotch  family,  who 
carry  on  a  considerable  trade  from  this  place,  and  are 
concerned  in  the  spermaceti  works  here. 

3^  Day^  2ist. — This  is  called  the  longest  day  in 
the  year,  and  proved  a  fine  agreeable  morning.  Tho' 
the  wind  was  not  suflicient  to  promise  a  speedy  passage 
over  to  Nantucket,  yet  we  put  ofF  about  the  time  ap- 
pointed, but  were  'till  towards  11  without  making 
much  way  ahead ;  however,  the  wind  then  freshened, 
and  we  sailed  at  the  rate  of  5  knots  an  hour.  Later 
in  the  afternoon  the  wind  increased,  and  we  run  7  or  8 
knots,  and  passed  Wood's  Hole  and  Martha's  Vine- 


52  [6th  mo.  2ist, 

yard,  and  so  into  the  main  ocean.  About  5  o'clock 
had  sight  of  the  wind-mills  on  Nantucket. 

Out  of  about  25  passengers,  about  4  were  sea- 
sick, and  those  not  to  any  great  degree.  For  my  own 
part,  I  had  a  good  appetite,  and  felt  pretty  comforta- 
ble, and  as  I  apprehended  a  spell  of  sea-sickness  would 
not  hurt  me,  expressed  my  willingness  to  have  taken 
our  friend  Jane  Watson's  share,  if  it  could  have  been 
transferred. 

At  sunset  we  were  within  about  2  miles  of  Sher- 
burn,  the  principal  town  on  Nantucket,  where  we 
landed  about  8  o'clock.  This  place  contains  about 
500  houses,  built  generally  of  timber,  and  4,500  in- 
habitants, chiefly  Friends.  They  are  mostly  em- 
ployed in  the  fisheries  and  other  branches  of  business 
which  depend  thereon.  There  are  about  eight  or  nine 
spermaceti  works  in  the  town  and  on  the  island ;  five 
or  six  hundred  head  of  cows  and  cattle,  two  or  three 
hundred  horses,  and  about  seven  thousand  sheep — the 
latter  kept  as  common  property,  and  run  at  large  on 
the  island,  there  being  but  little  fencing.  This  and 
the  preceding  day  was  their  time  of  shearing,  at  which 
there  is  a  kind  of  festival. 

We  took  up  our  quarters  at  Samuel  Rodman's, 
(who  married  William  Rotch's  daughter,)  which  is 
one  of  the  principal  houses  for  entertaining  Friends 
on  the  island.  Wm.  Rotch,  Jr.  and  Thomas  Rotch 
each  married  a  sister  of  Samuel  Rodman,  and  are 
both  settled  at  Bedford ;  so  also  is  Thomas  Hazard, 
whose  wife  is  another  sister.  They  are  all  concerned 
in  business  together,  as  I  understood,  that  is  the  fish- 
ery, having  a  number  of  vessels  in  the  trade. 


I79I-]  53 

At  S.  Rodman's  also  lodged  M.  Ridgway,  J. 
Watson,  S.  Emlen,  S.  Lundy,  E.  Martin,  and  Wm. 
Rotch  (the  younger),  besides  ourselves  and  some  others. 
This  island  is  called  about  12  miles  long,  and  3  or  4 
broad ;  and  they  raise  Indian  corn,  rye  and  oats,  and  a 
variety  of  garden  produce.  Our  passage  occupied  13 
hours. 

^.th  Day^  22d. — Having  had  a  comfortable  night's 
rest  after  our  little  voyage,  rose  between  4  and  5,  and 
after  breakfast  went  in  to  see  Sarah  Barney,  who  lives 
a  few  doors  from  our  lodgings;  then  called  in  at  Jo- 
siah  Barker's;  afterwards  at  Wm.  Brown's,  where  we 
had  a  sitting — T.  S.  and  S.  E.  being  in  company,  who 
both  had  something  to  communicate — then  came  home 
and  dined  at  a  table  plentifully  spread. 

After  dinner  visited  Jethro  Mitchel,  and  called  in 
to  see  a  new  house  built  by  Peter  Folger,  which  has 
a  flat  roof,  as  have  several  others  in  this  place,  which 
they  say  answers  well. 

Towards  evening  came  home,  and  felt  a  good 
deal  weary  with  our  walk  through  the  sandy  streets 
of  Sherburn, — tho'  I  judge  the  heat  is  more  moderate 
than  in  our  city  at  this  season,  the  mercury  standing 
at  about  66  degrees.  In  the  evening  it  rained  a  little, 
which  brought  our  other  lodgers  home,  when  we  had 
a  solid  sitting  together  in  silence,  and  afterwards  spent 
the  evening  together  in  agreeable  conversation. 

^th  Day^  2^d. — This  was  Week-day  Meeting  in 
course,  which  began  at  11,  and  was  a  large  gathering. 
Jane  Watson  and  Samuel  Emlen  had  the  principal 
service.  A  Preparative  Meeting  was  also  held,  which 
sat  long. 

6 


^^  [6th  mo.  24th, 

After  dinner,  walked  out  into  the  town,  and  re- 
turned towards  evening,  when  the  neighbours  coming 
in,  there  was  a  family  sitting.  Jane  Watson  and  Mary 
Ridgway  appeared  in  testimony,  and  Thomas  Scatter- 
good  in  prayer,  all  to  our  comfort  and  encouragement 
in  well-doing. 

6th  Day^  2^th, — A  foggy  morning,  which  is  not 
uncommon  here,  but  as  it  comes  off  the  sea,  they  are 
not  reckoned  unwholesome.  We  dined  to-day,  by 
invitation,  at  Josiah  Bartlett's,  with  many  other  Friends. 
Our  European  Friends  were  not  of  the  number,  on 
account  of  some  indisposition. 

Afternoon,  in  company  with  William  Rotch  and 
two  other  Friends,  took  a  ride  out  on  the  island,  which 
is  level  for  the  most  part,  and  a  light  sandy  soil.  Ob- 
served their  Indian  corn,  rye  and  oats  to  be  very  light; 
I  think  the  probable  produce  (in  our  country,)  would 
not  be  accounted  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  crop. 

We  went  to  a  fishing  town  called  Siasconset, 
about  8  miles  from  Sherburn,  which  contained  about 
20  comfortable  houses,  but  had  but  one  or  two  fami- 
lies in  them  at  present,  being  not  the  time  for  taking 
fish.  We  returned  to  our  quarters  in  the  evening, 
and  had  a  good  night's  rest. 

'jth  Day^  l^th. — A  foggy  morning;  cleared  away 
about  10,  when  we  went  to  their  Monthly  Meeting, 
which  was  large — there  being  about  300  families  of 
Friends  on  the  island.  J.  Watson,  M.  Ridgway,  S. 
E.  and  T.  S.  all  had  some  service,  and,  with  an  ad- 
journed sitting  in  the  afternoon,  it  did  not  conclude 
'till  near  dark,  tho'  they  had  a  good  clerk,  and  the 
business,  I  thought,  was  well-conducted. 


I79I-]  55 

In  the  e\ening  divers  Friends  arrived  from  the 
main-land,  with  a  view  of  attending  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  now  coming  on,  which  goes  by  the  name  of 
Sandwich,  and  is  held  here  once  in  the  year. 

1st  Day^  i6th. — It  is  thought  about  forty  or  fifty 
Friends  have  arrived  from  distant  parts  to  attend  the 
Quarterly  Meeting.  This  day  M.  R.  and  J.  Watson 
were  both  poorly,  and  did  not  get  to  Meeting;  how- 
ever, we  were  favoured  with  a  satisfactory  one. 

Forenoon,  Samuel  Emlen  and  Thomas  Scatter- 
good  were  both  engaged  in  religious  labour;  Sarah 
Lundy  appeared  in  prayer.  The  Meeting  was  large, 
and  a  great  proportion  were  young  people,  more  women 
than  men,  the  latter  being  (many  of  them)  out  at  sea. 
The  testimonies  delivered  were  close  and  searching, 
tho'  on  the  whole  encouraging.  Afternoon,  my  com- 
panion was  also  concerned  in  a  public  way. 

In  the  evening  there  was  a  comfortable  sitting  at 
our  lodgings.  T.  S.,  J.  W.,  S.  E.,  and  M.  R.  were 
large  in  testimony,  and  my  companion  T.  S.  also  ap- 
peared in  supplication.  The  scope  and  tendency  of 
what  was  delivered,  was,  to  encourage  to  diligence  and 
faithfulness  in  pursuing  the  right  road  to  future  hap- 
piness ;  to  work  whilst  the  day  of  visitation  was  length- 
ened out,  and  not  to  withdraw  from  manifested  duty, 
lest  we  should  incur  Divine  displeasure,  as  time  was 
short,  and  the  business  of  it  of  the  greatest  conse- 
quence and  importance. 

2d Day^2']th.-~-WQ  took  a  ride  a  little  way  in  the 
country  this  morning — had  a  view  of  the  sea  and  light- 
house— after  which  we  returned  and  dined  at  William 
Hussey's.       Took  a  dish  of  tea  at  Jethro   Mitchel's, 


56  [6th  mo.  28th, 

and  then  called  to  see  Peter  Barney.  In  the  evening 
was  not  very  well,  and  had  but  a  poor  night.  Wrote 
to  my  dear  wife. 

3^  Day^  2'^th. — This  day  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
for  business  was  held,  which  continued,  by  adjourn- 
ment, in  the  afternoon.  Dined  at  our  lodgings.  The 
last  sitting  continued  'till  dusk.  When  we  came  home 
were  much  worn  down  und  fatigued. 

/^th  Day^  2C)th. — Breakfasted  at  the  widow  Bar- 
ker's. Afterwards  went  home  and  wrote  a  long  piece, 
with  an  intention  of  putting  it  into  my  collection  when 
I  get  to  my  home  in  Philadelphia :  it  is  on  the  subject  of 
the  Excellency  of  the  Christian  Religion.  Dined  at 
Sarah  Barney's,  with  our  good  Women  and  several 
other  Friends.     Afternoon,  wrote  to  my  dear  wife. 

^th  Day^  '}pth. — Had  some  thoughts  to-day  about 
crossing  over  to  Bedford,  but  it  was  finally  concluded, 
chiefly  on  Mary  Ridgway's  account,  to  defer  going  to 
another  day,  especially  as  the  wind  is  not  altogether 
fair.  So  we  went  to  the  usual  Week-day  Meeting, 
where  Mary  Mitchel,  Jane  Watson,  and  Mary  Ridg- 
way  were  engaged  in  testimony  and  prayer.  It  was 
a  solid  favoured  time.  Dined  at  Samuel  Rodman's. 
After  dinner  went  to  inquire  for  an  opportunity  of  for- 
warding a  letter  I  wrote  in  the  morning  to  my  son 
Johnny,  and  one  to  my  wife,  which  I  forwarded  by 
Capt.  Wing  for  New  York. 

bth  Day^  1st  0/ Seventh  month. — The  wind  being 
still  contrary,  prevented  any  of  our  company  from 
crossing  over  to  the  main.  In  the  morning  several  of 
us  (M.  R.  and  J.  Watson  of  the  number,)  rode  out  a 
few  miles  to  the  sea-shore,  and  after  a  pleasant  airing 


I79I-]  57 

of  7  or  8  miles,  returned  home  and  dined  ;  after  which 
S.  Emlen  and  some  others  went  out  of  town  in  two 
chaises,  and  returned  in  the  evening. 

I  employed  myself  in  transcribing  a  piece  of  writ- 
ing, which  I  finished  in  the  evening.  After  dark,  a 
family  sitting  took  place,  when  T.  S.  and  J.  W.  were 
concerned  in  a  word  of  exhortation,  and  after  some 
pleasant  improving  conversation,  we  retired  to  our  rest, 
and  were  favoured  with  a  good  night. 

']th  Da}\  2d. — This  morning  dawned  and  afforded 
a  favourable  wind,  which  several  of  our  company  will 
make  use  of  to  return  to  Bedford,  about  sixty  miles. 
About  10,  Capt.  Parker  in  the  packet  left  the  wharf, 
with  25  passengers,  but  my  companion  and  Samuel 
Emlen  concluded  to  stay  over  First-day,  that  is  to- 
morrow, and  wait  'till  next  trip,  which  probably  may 
be  the  beginning  of  the  week.  We  had  a  favoured 
parting  Meeting  at  Saml.  Rodman's,  when  a  number 
of  Friends  accompanied  our  European  visitors  and 
divers  others,  on  board,  there  being  a  good  prospect 
of  a  favourable  run  over  to  the  place  of  destination. 

Dined  with  several  Friends  at  Jethro  Mitchel's ; 
afterwards  called  to  see  Jonathan  Jenkins,  and  then 
took  a  ride  about  three  miles  with  S.  Rodman  and  his 
wife  and  five  children,  to  see  some  of  the  Indian  na- 
tives, a  very  few  of  whom  yet  remain  on  the  island, 
where  they  were  formerly  very  numerous;  and  there 
are  still,  at  a  neighbouring  island  called  Martha's  Vine- 
yard, about  one  hundred  and  fifty,  who  make  out  to 
live  pretty  comfortably,  having  a  tract  of  land  secured 
to  them  and  their  posterity  by  the  government  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. 

6* 


58  [yth  mo.  3d, 

1st  Day^  3^. — A  cool  day,  the  wind  being  in  the 
Eastern  board.  At  morning  Meeting  Mary  Mitchel 
and  Samuel  Emlen  had  the  service;  afternoon,  Thos. 
Scattergood,  S.  Emlen  and  Mary  Mitchel.  Drank 
tea  at  William  Brown's.  Came  home  at  dusk,  and 
found  them  sitting  in  silence.  After  we  came  in,  T. 
S.  and  S.  E.  had  a  word  of  exhortation  to  drop;  and 
so  this  day  ended — I  hope  not  unprofitably. 

id  Day^  \th. — The  wind  continues  Easterly  and 
quite  cool.  After  breakfast,  T.  S.,  S.  E.,  and  seve- 
ral others  of  us  visited  three  families,  and  a  portion  of 
good  was  handed  out  for  their  encouragement.  Walked 
down  to  the  wharf,  when  S.  Emlen  agreed  to  embark 
with  Captain  Gardner  for  Newport.  About  i  he  em- 
barked, and  the  vessel  put  off  with  a  fair  wind;  but 
my  beloved  companion  does  not  find  himself  at  liberty 
to  leave  this  island  yet,  which  was  no  small  cross  to 
us,  at  least  it  was  particularly  so  to  me,  who  felt  very 
willing  and  desirous  to  be  moving  a  little  ahead,  so  as 
to  have  a  prospect  of  finishing  our  work. 

i^d  Day^  ^th. — Captain  Parker  returned  from  Bed- 
ford this  morning,  and  reported  that  our  friends  who 
went  over  with  him  had  a  good  passage  of  about  nine 
hours.  Dined  to-day  at  George  Hussey's,  where  we 
had  a  sitting.  We  then  visited  the  family  of  Benj. 
Worth,  where  a  portion  of  comfort  and  encourage- 
ment was  dispensed.  When  this  concluded  we  pro- 
ceeded to  Benj.  Barney's,  where  my  companion  and 
Sarah  Lundy  were  again  furnished  with  something 
suitable  to  communicate. 

We  then  went  over  to  Jethro  Mitchel's,  and  took 
some  refreshments,  and  so  returned  to  our  lodgings  in 

>  DC 


I79I.]  59 

the  evening,  when  divers  of  the  neighbours  coming 
in,  further  service  in  a  religious  way  ensued,  and  S. 
Lundy  concluded  in  supplication,  so  that  I  heard,  at 
the  several  opportunities  this  day,  six  sermons  and  two 
prayers.  May  I  profit  in  proportion  to  the  mercies 
bestowed. 

^th  Day^  6th. — Dined  to-day  at  William  Macy's, 
and  had  tea  at  William  Brown's,  where  we  had  a 
satisfactory  sitting  in  which  E.  Martin  appeared  in  a 
short  prayer.  T.  S.  and  S.  Lundy  also  had  a  word 
in  season  to  the  exercised  traveller,  and  Sarah  Lundy 
concluded  with  supplication. 

After  we  came  home  to  our  quarters,  several 
Friends  dropped  in,  and  falling  into  silence.  Cousin 
Thomas  had  a  communication  of  considerable  length, 
and  S.  L.  also,  which  delayed  supper  'till  lo,  after 
which  went  to  bed  and  slept  comfortably  'till  morning. 

Nothing  contributes  more  to  true  happiness  than 
a  peaceful  mind — without  which,  that  is  to  say  a  good 
conscience,  there  most  certainly  can  be  no  such  thing 
attainable.  Let  us  then,  make  it  our  principal  object 
and  aim,  and  relinquish  every  inferior  satisfaction  to 
pursue  it  alone. 

^th  Day^  'jth, — This  was  Week-day  Meeting, 
in  which  Thomas  and  Sarah  had  laborious  service — the 
latter  concluded  the  Meeting  in  prayer.  Dined  at  our 
kind  friend  Jethro  Mitchel's. 

In  the  afternoon  visited  Joseph  Harris'  family, 
where  my  companion  had  service.  Then  called  at 
Richard  Mitchel's  and  Jonathan  Macy's — the  last  men- 
tioned being  a  blind  Friend  and  Elder.  At  all  these 
places  our  Ministering  Friends  had  employment  in  their 


6o  [7th  mo.  8th, 

gifts,  and  I  hope  to  profit,  at  least  to  those  who  make 
the  necessary  improvement  by  the  labour  in  much  love 
bestowed.  Evening  was  spent  at  our  lodgings,  as  a 
number  of  Friends  called  in,  as  usual ;  we  were  mostly 
drawn  into  silence,  and  there  was  an  addition  to  the 
labour  of  the  day.  Got  to  bed  about  11,  and  was 
favoured  with  a  good  rest  'till  morning. 

6th  Day^  Sth. — High  Northerly  wind,  which  pre- 
vents the  packet  going  over  to  Bedford,  and  Captain 
Worth  to  Hahfax.  In  the  last-mentioned  vessel  S. 
Lundy  and  her  companions,  Dorcas  Brown  and  Jos. 
Harris,  expect  to  embark  on  a  religious  visit  to  Friends 
in  Nova  Scotia,  where  some  under  our  name  have  been 
driven  and  dispersed  by  the  convulsions  occasioned  by 
the  late  war. 

Dined  at  Richard  Mitchel's,  and  when  we  rose 
from  table,  a  messenger  came  to  acquaint  us  that  Cap- 
tain Worth  was  ready  to  put  to  sea,  the  wind  having 
come  fair,  and  he  was  anxious  to  make  use  of  it;  so 
we  immediately  took  our  departure  to  Samuel  Rod- 
man's. From  there  we  conveyed  the  Friends'  stores 
down  to  the  packet,  and  with  six  or  eight  Friends 
went  on  board  the  Halifax  vessel,  which  lay  without 
the  bar.  Got  on  board  about  5  P.  M.  with  some  dif- 
ficulty, there  being  a  large  swell.  Returned  back  in 
the  evening,  having  seen  the  Friends  safe  on  board 
and  under  sail. 

Found  a  vessel  just  arrived  from  Philadelphia,  but 
no  letters  from  my  family.  After  dark  walked  down 
to  the  water  to  take  a  view  of  the  light-house,  which 
is  about  I  o  miles  distant,  on  a  sandy  point  of  this  island, 
and  is  of  great  use  to  the  trade  in  these  parts. 


I79I-]  "  ^^ 

qth  Day^  gth. — My  companion  was  poorly  to-day, 
and  kept  mostly  within  doors.  Captain  Waterman 
arrived  from  Philadelphia,  but  we  had  no  letters.  The 
Friends  on  their  way  for  Halifax  have  a  fine  wind, 
with  pleasant  weather.  Dined  on  fresh  cod-fish.  Af- 
ter dinner,  rode  out  about  four  miles,  in  company  with 
S.  Rodman,  E.  Martin  and  some  others;  viewed  the 
public  corn-field,  (about  three  or  four  hundred  acres 
in  one  body,)  tho'  it  appeared  pinched  with  the  drouth 
— the  soil  being  light  and  sandy.  We  were  shown 
the  place  where  our  friend  John  Richardson  had  that 
memorable  meeting,  mentioned  in  his  journal  in  the 
year  1701. 

Jst  Day^  lOth. — A  fine  morning.  Wind  at  S.W. 
which  is  fair  for  our  friends  bound  to  Halifax.  At 
Meeting  in  the  forenoon  my  companion  had  a  favoured 
time,  which  afforded  considerable  ease  to  his  exercised 
mind.  The  common  First-day  Meeting  here,  I  think, 
is  quite  equal  in  numbers  to  our  North  Meeting  in 
Philadelphia.  The  afternoon  Meeting  was  silent,  and 
smaller  than  that  in  the  morning.  After  dark  had  a 
family  sitting,  which  concluded  the  day. 

2d  Day^  nth. — My  companion,  apprehending  he 
should  be  most  easy  to  have  a  meeting  with  some  so- 
ber people  about  6  miles  eastward  on  the  island,  agree- 
able to  his  prospect,  one  was  appointed  at  the  third 
hour.  Several  Friends  from  Sherburn  accompanied  us, 
and  he  had  an  open  satisfactory  time  among  them, 
and  came  home  relieved.  In  his  way  back,  he,  with 
some  other  Friends,  called  to  visit  a  young  woman 
who  had  been  some  time  in  a  declining  state  of  health 
and  thought  to  be  near  the  solemn  close. 


62  [yth  mo.  I2th, 

In  the  evening  a  number  of  Friends  came  to  our 
lodgings,  and  after  sitting  some  time  in  silence  Cousin 
Thomas  had  a  word  of  encouragement  to  the  well- 
minded  5   and  so  this  day  finished. 

3^'  Day^  1 2th. — A  pleasant  morning,  with  the  wind 
at  S.  W.  Wrote  several  letters  to-day.  Afternoon, 
took  a  walk  to  a  part  of  the  town  I  had  not  before 
been  in.  Drank  tea  at  Svlvanus  Macy's.  In  the 
evening  divers  friends  called  to  see  us,  and  after  sit- 
ting awhile  in  silence,  without  any  verbal  communi- 
cation, we  parted,  and  at  the  usual  time  retired  to  our 
chamber,  and  rested  'till  the  dawn  of  another  day. 

^th  Day^  ^3^^^- — This  day  we  went  on  board  the 
packet  with  Captain  Parker,  with  a  fair  wind  for  Bed- 
ford— our  company,  Samuel  Rodman  and  wife,  our 
kind  hosts,  Hannah  Rodman,  his  sister,  Wm.  Shot- 
well,  Elizabeth  Martin,  Cousin  Thomas  Scattergood, 
and  myself.  The  freshness  of  the  wind  made  some 
of  us,  especially  our  women,  a  good  deal  sick. 

We  arrived  at  Bedford  in  about  9  hours,  and  found 
our  friends  Mary  Ridgway  and  Jane  Watson  at  Wm. 
Rotch's,  just  returned  from  visiting  some  Meetings  in 
the  neighbourhood  between  Providence  and  that  place. 

Here  we  heard  of  the  decease  of  Job  Scott's  wife, 
(a  heavy  stroke  to  him,)  having  left  behind  her  six 
small  children,  and  not  in  affluent  circumstances.  In 
the  evening  went  up  to  Abraham  Russel's,  where  we 
lodged.  Our  horse  was  in  good  order,  having  been 
well  taken  care  of  during  the  three  weeks  we  had  been 
on  Nantucket. 

^th  Day^  i\th. — Was  favoured  to  be  pretty  well 
after  the  fatigue  of  yesterday's  passage,  and  thankful 


I79I.]  63 

we  had  got  to  the  main-land  again.  Attended  the 
Week-day  Meeting  at  Bedford,  where  my  companion 
had  acceptable  service.  Dined  at  W.  Rotch's.  After- 
wards went  to  view  the  shipping  and  town,  and  returned 
to  our  lodgings  early,  in  order  to  write  to  my  family. 

6th  Day^  i^th. — This  morning  finished  three  let- 
ters, which  I  committed  to  the  care  of  Cousin  Lizzie 
Martin,  who  is  returning  home  to  Rahway.  She  set 
off  this  morning  about  8,  after  which  we  went  to  Long 
Plain  Meeting,  about  9  miles.  M.  Ridgway,  Jane 
Watson,  and  my  companion  had  acceptable  service 
therein.  Dined  at  a  Friends'  House,  near  the  Meet- 
ing. Afterwards  came  back  to  Bedford  in  good  time 
in  the  evening. 

jth  Day^  16th. — There  being  no  public  Meeting 
to-day,  we  went  round  to  visit  our  friends — as  Caleb 
Green's,  Barnabas  Russel's,  Thos.  and  Wm.  Rotch's 
— where  we  dined  with  the  European  Friends  and 
other  Friends.  Took  tea  at  T.  Rotch's,  and  had  a 
sitting  afterwards.  Here  our  friend  J.  W.  mentioned 
the  common  saying  that  "prevention  is  better  than 
cure,"  and  applied  it  in  a  spiritual  sense,  with  that  fit- 
ness that  I  hope  may  have  some  good  eff^ect,  if  we 
practice  what  she  so  well  recommended — that  was, 
obedience  to  Divine  requirings  early,  and  so  prevent 
the  long  train  of  evils  which  result  from  a  departure 
from  the  law  of  the  Lord,  written  and  unfolded  in  the 
secret  of  our  own  minds  from  day  to  day,  which  will 
produce  that  best  of  treasures,  peace  to  the  soul  when 
our  race  in  this  world  is  finally  ended. 

jst  Day^  I'jth. — Attended  Meeting  at  Bedford, 
which  I  thought  was  made  up  of  between  three  and 


64  [7^^^  "^o-  ^^^K 

four  hundred  persons,  many  of  them  not  members  of 
our  Society.  Cousin  Thomas  Scattergood  had  the 
principal  service  in  a  doctrinal  way.  J.  W.  followed 
him,  and  then  he  appeared  in  supplication.  So  the 
morning  sitting  ended — I  think,  well.  Dined  at  Bar- 
nabas Russel's,  who  has  a  large  flock  of  children. 

Afternoon  Meeting,  T.  S.  was  first  concerned  in 
testimony,  and  M.  R.  made  an  addition  to  various 
states  present,  which,  we  understood  afterwards  was 
fitly  spoken,  there  being  several  seeking  persons  from 
different  parts  at  the  Meeting. 

When  it  concluded,  we  called  in  to  see  Joseph 
Austin  and  James  Davis,  Timothy's  brother,  who  is 
in  jthe  ministry,  and  well  approved.  At  both  these 
places  Thomas  dropped  some  tender  counsel.  Drank 
tea  at  Thos.  Hazard's,  after  which  had  a  sitting  with 
about  25  Friends  at  William  Rotch's,  where  all  our 
Ministering  Friends  were  engaged  in  testimony,  after 
which  we  returned  to  our  lodgings  at  Abraham  Rus- 
sel's, 

id  Day  J  iSth. — This  morning  early,  Mary  and 
Jane,  S.  Rodman  and  wife,  Jesse  Coupland,  and  an- 
other Friend  or  two,  set  off  for  Falmouth,  about  40 
miles,  in  order  to  be  at  an  appointed  Meeting  there 
on  Third  Day.  My  companion  and  I  also  got  on  the 
road  about  9,  to  attend  Aponiganset  Monthly  Meet- 
ing. Thomas  was  largely  drawn  forth  to  a  large  au- 
dience, in  a  close  searching  testimony,  yet  with  cau- 
tion not  to  hurt  the  tender,  precious  life  in  any  humble 
sincere  hearts ;  some  such,  we  had  reason  to  hope, 
were  present.  The  Meeting  continued  from  1 1  'till 
6,  and  was  wearisome  to  the  body. 


I79I.]  65 

Called  at  a  Friend's  house  about  half  a  mile  from 
the  Meeting  House,  and  took  some  refreshment. — 
Then  went  to  Wm.  Rotch's  at  Bedford,  and  drank 
tea,  and  took  our  leave  of  his  and  several  other  fami- 
lies, intending  for  Sandwich  to-morrow.  Came  home 
to  our  lodgings  after  dark,  and  retired  to  rest. 

3<i  Day^  ic)th. — Left  a  letter  for  my  dear  wife 
with  Sally  Russel,  and,  it  being  a  most  lovely  morn- 
ing, set  off  for  Sandwich  about  7,  and  in  about  8  or 
9  miles  riding  got  off  the  stones,  and  into  the  other 
extreme  among  the  sands,  which  was  as  heavy  and 
difficult  for  the  horse  in  our  heavy  chaise. 

The  land  in  this  day's  ride  was  very  poor,  so  that 
we  pitied  the  inhabitants  who  had  to  get  their  living 
out  of  such  a  barren  soil.  However,  I  have  frequently 
made  this  remark,  that  those  indigent  people  who  have, 
from  one  generation  to  another,  been  accustomed  to 
such  a  scant  subsistence,  seldom  lay  it  much  to  heart, 
but  endure  the  ills  of  life  with  full  as  much  fortitude, 
and  with  less  complaint  or  repining,  than  those  in  a 
higher  sphere ;  for  happiness  consists  very  much  in  a 
contentment  and  resignation  to  our  lot,  and  nature 
being  easily  reconciled  to  small  things,  food,  clothes, 
and  fire  are  all  that  the  opulent  can  enjoy,  and  the 
very  great  fullness  which  some  rest  in  often  produces 
cares,  anxieties,  vexations,  and  disappointments  which 
the  poor  are  in  a  great  measure  exempt  from.  In 
our  passage  through  the  wilderness  of  this  world  there 
is  but  one  object  which  ought  to  engage  our  principal 
pursuit  and  attention,  that  is,  the  securing  a  better  in- 
heritance in  a  future  state,  where  sorrow,  pain  and 
grief  cannot  invade  or  annoy. 


66  [yth  mo.  20th, 

Dined  at  Israel  Fearing's,  a  poor  inn,  and  fed  our 
horses — Joseph  Austin  and  Abraham  Smith  kindly 
bearing  us  company.  Set  off  about  3,  and  reached 
Paul  Wing's  about  7,  where  we  lodged. 

^th  Day^  20th. — In  the  morning,  after  breakfast, 
my  companion  was  disposed  to  have  the  family,  con- 
sisting of  9  children  besides  others  of  the  family,  to- 
gether, and  he  had  something  suitable  to  drop  amongst 
them ',  and  we  left  them  in  a  loving  tender  frame,  and 
rode  a  few  miles  to  Joseph  Wing's,  where  we  left  our 
horses,  and  walked  to  Sandwich  Meeting  through  the 
rain,  where  Cousin  Thomas,  Jane,  and  Mary  all  ap- 
peared in  testimony. 

After  we  had  dined,  went  forward  about  1 1  miles 
through  the  wet,  to  John  Wing's,  where  we  were 
well  accommodated,  and  rising  early  on 

^th  Day^  2ist^  set  out  about  5,  in  order  to  attend 
Yarmouth  Meeting,  about  15  miles,  which  we  rode 
in  a  heavy  rain,  and  reached  the  appointed  Meeting 
there  about  the  usual  time  of  gathering.  They  were 
but  a  small  company  of  about  40  persons,  and  very 
raw  and  undisciplined.  However,  there  was  a  portion 
meted  out  by  all  our  Ministering  Friends,  which  would, 
if  properly  applied  and  improved,  prove  wholesome 
nourishment,  and  tend  to  invigorate  and  strengthen 
their  spiritual  senses  and  faculties.  But  what  can  we 
say  or  do  for  those  who  are  dead,  and  even  buried, 
as  to  any  sense  or  savour  of  the  Divine  quickening, 
animating  life  proceeding  from  the  Fountain  of  all 
Fulness?  In  short,  nothing  less  than  the  power  and 
efficacvof  His  tremendous  judgment  can  ever  awaken 
those  who  are  as  it  were  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins. 


I79I.]  67 

Cousin  Thomas  had  an  opportunity  in  the  family 
where  we  dined,  after  the  other  Friends  had  set  off, 
but  we  overtook  them  after  riding  7  or  9  miles,  and 
all  returned  together  to  John  Wing's,  where  we  had 
a  sitting  in  the  evening.  T.  S.  had  a  word  of  en- 
couragement to  some  present,  after  which  we  retired 
to  our  chambers,  being  a  good  deal  fatigued  with  30 
miles  of  riding,  through  the  rain  mostly. 

This  is  in  general  a  poor  part  of  the  Massachu- 
setts State,  except  here  and  there  some  spots  of  toler- 
able land,  supported  in  great  measure  by  salt  marsh, 
which  in  some  places  are  extensive.  Barnstable — 
which  we  passed  through — is  a  pretty  noted  town, 
and  produces  abundance  of  onions,  which  are  culti- 
vated to  advantage.  Further  down  on  the  peninsula 
of  Cape  Cod,  which  runs  perhaps  40  miles  further 
out  into  the  ocean,  the  land  is  so  poor  that  the  Gov- 
ernment has  not  only  exempted  the  inhabitants  from 
taxation,  but  allowed  them  a  bounty  for  continuing  to 
carry  on  the  fishery,  which  is  the  principal  support  of 
the  settlers  hereaway. 

6th  Day^  22d. — The  weather  proving  fair  this 
morning,  after  breakfast,  and  a  sitting  in  our  Friend 
John  Wing's  family — in  which  Mary  Ridgway  and 
Jane  Watson  were  led  to  speak  with  great  plainness 
and  in  a  close  manner  to  the  head  of  the  family — we 
proceeded  on  our  way  to  Sandwich,  and  when  we  came 
near  to  that  place  my  companion  expressed  that  his 
mind  was  easy  to  go  on  towards  Boston.  So  we  stopped 
at  Joseph  Wing's,  and  took  our  leave  of  our  Women 
Friends,  and  his  family,  and  went  on  about  12  o'clock, 
with  Aaron  Wing  as  a  pilot. 


68  [yth  mo.  23d^ 

Dined  at  Ellis'  Tavern  by  the  sea-side;  so  put 
forward,  and  it  proved  warm  and  sultry  going  through 
the  woods  in  such  sandy  roads  as  we  found  hereabouts. 
We  were  obliged  to  go  moderately,  and  therefore  did 
not  reach  Plymouth  'till  near  7. 

This  is  the  place  where  the  first  settlers  in  New 
England  landed,  I  think,  about  the  year  1632.  It  is 
now  a  town  of  about  200  houses,  the  people  all  of  the 
Presbyterian  profession;  their  business,  chiefly  fishing 
for  cod.  They  have  a  good  harbour,  and  conveni- 
ences for  drying  their  fish,  which  is  their  principal 
dependence,  as  the  land  around  the  town  appears  very 
light  and  unproductive. 

Baiting  our  horse  and  refreshing  ourselves,  we 
kept  on,  and  after  a  difiicult  travel  in  the  dark,  came, 
about  1 1  at  night,  to  Elizabeth  Gould's,  at  Pembroke, 
who  got  up  and  entertained  us  kindly,  and  we  rested 
well  'till  morning. 

ph  Day^  23^. — Fair  weather.  On  the  road  about 
6,  passing  by  Pembroke  Meeting  House,  where  our 
European  Friends  are  to  be  to-morrow.  We  called 
at  John  Bayley's,  who  kindly  put  us  on  our  way  a  few 
miles,  our  guide,  Aaron  Wing,  parting  with  us  here. 

Passing  through  Hanover  we  came  to  Weymouth ; 
here  we  dined  at  an  inn,  and  in  the  afternoon  pur- 
sued our  way  to  Boston,  (the  road  being  populous  and 
good,)  where  we  arrived  about  7,  and  rode  through 
the  main  street  to  our  lodging  at  Griffith  Barney's,  at 
New  Boston,  who  received  us  kindly. 

Here  we  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  two  of  our 
townsmen,  Joseph  Richardson  and  Jonathan  Willis, 
who  brought  us  several    letters  from  our  friends  in 


1 791.]  69 

Philadelphia,  which  contained  a  satisfactory  account 
of  their  welfare. 

1st  Day^  2^th. — Attended  two  Meetings  in  Bos- 
ton to-day — at  each  of  which  Cousin  Thomas  had 
something  to  communicate,  particularly  in  the  after- 
noon, which  concluded  with  supplication. 

There  are  but  few  members  of  our  society  in 
Boston — not  more  than  6  or  7  families — and  it  seems 
as  if  the  innocent  blood  shed  in  this  town  about  130 
years  ago  was  not  yet  atoned  for;  'tho  the  present 
generation  are  much  altered  in  respect  to  their  conduct 
towards  Friends,  as  persecution  on  a  religious  account 
hath  long  since  ceased,  and  they  are  now  even  exempt 
from  militia  fines,  and  the  support  of  an  hireling  min- 
istry and  worship  houses. 

Wrote  to  my  dear  wife,  by  Jos.  Richardson,  who 
sets  off  for  Philadelphia  to-morrow,  in  the  stage.  Dined 
at  Griffith  Barney's,  and  drank  tea  at  Ann  Orrick's. 

2d  Day^  25/^. — Had  my  horse  shod,  and  chaise 
oiled  and  rubbed  up  by  a  coach-maker.  Walked  out 
to  see  the  town,  in  company  with  Ebenezer  Pope — 
first  to  Beacon  Hill,  which  commands  an  extensive 
view  of  the  town,  the  harbour.  Castle  Island,  (also 
many  other  islands  in  the  bay  within  7  or  10  miles,) 
Gov.  Hancock's  house,  Cambridge  town  and  Uni- 
versity, Bunker's  Hill,  where  the  bloody  battle  was 
fought  between  the  British  and  Americans  in  the  be- 
ginning of  the  late  civil  wars.  A  monument  is  erec- 
ted on  Beacon  Hill,  which  must  have  cost  a  consider- 
able sum,  and  on  it  are  inscribed  the  memorable  events 
of  the  distressing  times  we  have  of  later  years  passed 
through. 

7* 


70  [yth  mo.  25th, 

We  also  viewed  the  Alms-house,  Work-house, 
State  House,  Faneuil  Hall,  the  Market,  Long  Wharf, 
and  other  public  buildings  and  private  dwellings,  some 
of  them  stately  and  elegant.     The  duck  manufactory 
was  a  pleasing  sight,  and  carried  on  to  good  advantage. 
Our  friend  Ebenezer  Pope  informed  me  that  he 
had  made  it  a  point  to  be  particular  in  his  inquiry,  in 
order  to  ascertain  the  place  where  our  Friends  Wil- 
liam Robinson  and  Marmaduke  Stevenson  were  put 
to  death,  and  he  thought  he  could  fix  the  spot  within 
a  few  rods.     The  histories  of  Friends  which  men- 
tion the  transaction  are  not  explicit  on  that  head — 
neither  is  it  very  material — yet  when  one  is  at  Boston 
it  seems  quite  natural  to  make  some  inquiry  about  it, 
tho'  the  inhabitants  now  show  rather  an  aversion  to 
having  the  matter  revived  ;  and  indeed,  Christian  char- 
ity would  forbid  our  making  the  children  answerable 
for  the  misconduct  of  their  forefathers,  whose  deeds 
they  condemn,  both  in  word  and  conduct.     However, 
there  can  be  nothing  criminal  in  endeavouring  to  fix 
the  place  where  the  tragedy  was  executed. 

Ebenezer  Pope  told  me  several  circumstances 
tending  to  fix  the  spot,  which  he  led  me  to,  very  nearly. 
Some  of  them,  for  my  own  satisfaction,  I  will  set 
down  here. 

He  says,  one  of  our  historians  mentions  a  boat, 
with  some  sober  people,  coming  from  Nantasket,  to 
see  the  bloody  business,  who  sat  therein,  while  it  was 
performed,  in  a  little  creek  near  the  gallows.  The 
entrance  of  this  creek  is  still  visible  near  Boston 
Neck,  and  the  remaining  ground  towards  the  oppo- 
site shore,  a  little  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  over. 


I79I-]  71 

is  still  low,  tho'  it  has  been  filled  up  considerably  for 
building. 

He  further  says  that  old  Friend  Bagnel  told  him 
of  a  conversation  which  he  had  with  an  Old  Woman 
at  Charleston,  who  informed  him  she  was  about  lo 
years  old  when  the  occurrence  happened,  and  got  leave 
of  her  parents  to  go  and  see  the  execution,  and  after 
crossing  Penny  Ferry,  as  it  was  then  called,  she  ran 
along  the  beach  until  she  came  in  view  of  the  gallows 
— which,  by  the  present  situation  of  land  and  water^ 
tends  to  fix  the  place  somewhere  near  where  our 
Friend  Pope  supposed  it  to  be. 

Add  to  this  his  account  of  a  Public  Friend  from 
England,  who  when  here  was  concerned  to  make  in- 
quiry on  the  subject,  and  walking  out  to  the  place, 
and  leaning  on  the  fence,  after  a  solemn  pause,  said, 
"Here  lie  my  dear  Friends:   I  smell  their  bones." 

Also,  a  sober  neighbour  of  his,  being  near  the 
spot  during  the  late  troubles,  related  to  him  (that  is 
E.  Pope,)  as  follows: — Ruminating  in  his  mind  on 
the  judgments  which  then  hung  over  the  land,  and 
being  deeply  thoughtful  and  pensive  of  the  cause,  was 
made,  as  by  a  secret  impulse,  to  stand  still,  and  a  voice 
as  it  were  run  through  his  mind — Here  lie  the  innocent 
^uakers^  and  the  very  spot,  or  place,  seemed  pointed 
out  to  him  in  a  very  particular  manner. 

All  these  circumstances  unite  to  render  it  almost 
certain  that  somewhere  near  the  place  he  showed  me, 
the  affecting  tragedy  was  performed. 

Bishop  tells  us  that  when  their  lives  were  taken, 
they  were  denied  burial,  and  their  naked  bodies  cast 
into  a  hole,  and  not  permitted  to  be  covered;  which 


7  2  [yth  mo.  25th, 

was  soon  after  overflowed  with  water,  which  probably 
might  have  been  occasioned  by  the  rising  of  the  tide 
over  the  low  grounds  already  mentioned. 

I  speak  now  of  William  Robinson  and  Marma- 
duke  Stevenson,  for  as  to  Mary  Dyer  and  William 
Leddra,  Friends  were  permitted  to  take  away  and 
bury  their  bodies. 

This  Friend  Pope  also  related  a  conversation 
which  lately  passed  between  two  of  his  neighbours — 
one  of  them  grandson  to  Edward  Rawson,  who  was 
Secretary  to  Governor  Endicot,  who  spake  much  in 
favour  of  the  piety  of  the  first  settlers,  and  what  godly 
people  they  were,  compared  to  the  present  generation. 
"Say  you  so?"  said  his  friend;  "I  am  of  a  different 
mind : — so  far  from  thinking  them  virtuous,  good 
people,  I  look  upon  them  to  have  been  the  veriest 
devils  that  ever  existed  in  human  shape,  and,  to  be 
plain  with  you,  your  grandfather  was  no  better  than 
the  rest  of  them."  "Why,  what  do  you  mean,  sir?" 
said  his  neighbour.  "I  mean  as  I  say,  sir;  that  so 
far  from  being  pious  and  godly,  their  cruelty  and  wick- 
edness exceeded  all  example  since  the  days  of  the 
Reformation  from  Popery.  Have  you  never  read  the 
history  of  the  Quakers'  sufferings  in  this  country, 
sir?"  No!  "Then  I  will  take  care  to  furnish  you 
with  a  sight  of  it,  and  I  am  persuaded,  from  your  up- 
rightness and  candour,  you  will  join  with  me  in  ut- 
terly condemning  the  principles  and  practices  of  those 
who  first  settled  in  this  country;  who,  fleeing  from 
persecution  in  their  native  land,  became  far  before 
their  persecutors  in  England  in  point  of  hard-hearted- 
ness  and  barbarity."     So  he  furnished  him  with  Besse's 


History  of  the  Sufferings  of  our  Friends  in  New 
England. 

After  some  weeks  he  called  upon  him  again,  and 
asked  if  he  had  read  it.  He  said  "Yes."  He  then  que- 
ried, "What  was  his  opinion  of  their  ancestors  now?" 
"Why,  sir,"  he  replied,  "I  stand  informed  of  what  I 
never  before  was  acquainted  with,  and  may  acknowl- 
edge, with  the  Queen  of  the  South,  that  the  one-half 
had  not  been  told  me.  So  I  am  compelled  to  be  of 
your  mind,  sir,  and  allow  that  they  were  not  the  men 
I  apprehended  them  to  be." 

This  was  the  substance  of  their  conversation,  be- 
ing two  Presbyterians,  and  it  may  reasonably  be  sup- 
posed that  few  of  those  now  upon  the  stage  have  much 
knowledge  of  the  proceedings  of  those  early  times 
against  our  innocent  brethren  and  sisters,  only  for 
bearing  their  testimony  to  the  Truth ;  for  it  has,  with- 
out doubt,  been  the  earnest  endeavour  of  the  writers 
and  leaders  amongst  them,  to  mutilate  and  suppress 
all  accounts  which  had  a  tendency  to  criminate  and 
set  in  an  unfavourable  point  of  view  the  conduct  of 
their  forefathers.  But  faithful  and  impartial  history 
will  still  preserve  the  truth  of  those  transactions  which 
cast  such  a  shade  of  infamy  upon  the  high  professors 
of  the  Christian  name  in  that  day. 

And  something  remarkable  and  memorable  it  will 
be,  if  in  future  time,  in  the  very  midst  of  the  country 
where  the  persecution  raged  the  hottest,  that  is,  be- 
tween Boston  and  Salem,  our  Yearly  Meeting  for 
New  England  should  be  established,  and  a  standard 
for  the  Truth,  as  held  by  us  as  a  religious  society,  be 
erected. 


74  [y^^  "^°'  26th, 

And  if  the  professors  under  our  name  were  but 
in  the  possession  of  what  they  hold  up  to  the  world, 
and  acted  agreeably  to  the  principles  we  maintain,  no 
doubt  there  would  be  a  gathering  from  many  of  those 
sects,  who  are  groaning  under  their  heavy  task-mas- 
ters, and  ready  to  say,  many  seeking  religious  minds 
among  them,  at  least,  ^^Who  will  show  us  any  goodV^ 
sensibly  feeling  in  the  secret  of  their  own  minds,  a 
want,  which  nothing  outward  can  satisfy — a  deficiency, 
which  outward  worship,  service,  and  ceremonies  can 
not  supply. 

For,  indeed,  nothing  can  satisfy  the  immortal 
part  but  that  which  is  really  Divine  and  spiritual — 
agreeably  to  that  Scripture  testimony,  ^^  God  is  a  spirit^ 
and  they  that  worship  Him  ?nust  worship  Him  in  spirit 
and  in  truth^^  that  is,  all  who  approach  before  Him 
in  an  acceptable  manner. 

Our  European  Women  Friends  and  their  com- 
pany came  into  Boston  in  the  afternoon,  and  we  were 
with  them  at  Ann  Orrick's  'till  towards  bed-time, 
when  we  retired  to  our  lodgings  at   Griffith  Barney's. 

3^  Day^  ibth. — A  fine  cool  morning.  This  day 
we  had  an  appointed  Meeting  in  Boston,  at  which 
our  Friend  Mary  Ridgway  appeared  first,  I  thought, 
under  much  oppression  and  exercise,  tho'  a  measure 
of  strength  was  afforded  to  go  through  ner  service  in 
good  authority,  to  an  auditory  mostly  made  up  of  those 
who  were  not  of  our  community.  Jane  Watson  was 
next  concerned,  then  my  companion,  and  the  Meet- 
ing concluded  with  some  degree  of  satisfaction. 

Dined  at  our  lodging,  with  Captain  Needham, 
who  brought  me  three  letters  from  Philadelphia.     Set 


I79I-]  7S 

off,  in  the  afternoon,  for  Lynn,  over  Charleston  and 
Maiden  Bridges,  lately  built,  the  execution  of  which 
do  great  credit  to  the  spirit  and  ingenuity  of  the  peo- 
ple hereaway.  Reached  Lynn  in  good  time,  and  put 
up  at  Samuel  Collins'.  The  Women  Friends'  quar- 
ters were  at  Sylvanus  Hussey's. 

^th  Day^  2']th. — At  Meeting  at  Lynn,  where 
Jane  was  first  concerned  in  testimony,  Mary  next, 
and  my  companion  had  the  concluding  service;  all,  I 
thought,  had  wisdom  and  utterance  given  to  divide  the 
Word  in  fit  proportions  to  various  states  in  a  large 
gathering  or  assembly,  made  up  mostly  of  those 
who  profess  with  us,  generally  of  the  middle-aged  and 
younger  class,  who  make  a  pleasing  appearance,  tho' 
if  we  might  judge  from  the  doctrine  delivered,  there 
was  need  for  many  to  endeavour  to  live  nearer  the 
Holy  Principle,  and  then  they  would  know  where  and 
how  to  retire,  in  their  silent  meetings,  to  the  inex- 
haustable  Fountain  of  Living  Virtue,  and  know  a  draw- 
ing water  from  their  own  wells,  some  no  doubt,  would 
be  commissioned  to  tell  to  others  what  the  Lord  had 
done  for  their  souls — and  be  in  truth  able  to  direct  the 
sincere  seekers  to  the  Fountain  of  all  Fullness — and 
by  example  and  precept  encourage  and  strengthen  the 
hindermost  of  the  flock  in  all  holy  conversation  and 
Godliness  becoming  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 

Dined  with  many  other  Friends  at  Samuel  Col- 
lins' where  we  were  plentifully  entertained.  After- 
noon, some  of  our  company  went  to  see  a  young  per- 
son who  had  been  sick  a  considerable  time. 

Samuel  Rodman  and  myself  took  a  5-mile  ride 
to  Marblehead,  a  town  of  some  note,  where  the  in- 


y6  [7th  mo.  28th, 

habitants  are  mostly  employed  in  the  fishing  trade  or 
cod  fishery,  which  is  their  principal  dependence  for  a 
support.  They  told  us  there  were  sixty  small  schooners 
in  that  business,  belonging  to  their  port,  that  make  sev- 
eral trips  yearly  to  the  fishing  banks. 

We  returned  about  7  to  Samuel  Collins'  and  had 
a  sitting  in  his  family,  at  which  all  our  Ministering 
Friends  were  led  to  speak,  with  much  precision,  to 
some  states  present,  after  which  we  supped  and  re- 
tired to  rest. 

^th  Day^  2%th. — We  left  S.  Collins'  about  the 
eighth  hour,  and  came  to  Salem  in  good  Meeting 
time.  Jane  took  the  lead — Mary  followed  in  the 
power  and  demonstration.  Their  fervent  labour  had 
an  evident  effect  upon  a  mixed  multitude,  among  whom 
were  two  Parsons,  or  Ministers  so  called,  also  a  Mem- 
ber of  Congress. 

The  authority  of  Mary's  testimony  seemed  to 
command  an  assent,  tho'  evidently  with  some  reluc- 
tance, in  minds  present.  However,  the  Truth  will 
have  its  own  weight,  and  naturally  tends  to  keep  in 
awe,  and  at  least  silence  the  spirits  who  have  the  will 
but  not  the  power  to  oppose. 

So  I  hope  the  labour  of  this  day  will  not  be  lost 
to  the  sincere-hearted.  As  to  those  who  hold  the 
Truth  by  tradition  only,  and  have  never  known  it  to 
cleanse  the  heart  from  unrighteousness,  they  may  still 
beat  the  air,  and  true  wisdom  will  neverthless  be  jus- 
tified of  all  her  children. 

When  the  Meeting  ended,  my  companion  gave 
notice  that  he  intended  to  be  at  that  Meeting  of  Sa- 
lem that  day  week  following.     Dined  at  James  Need- 


I79I.]  ^1 

ham's.  I  find  Salem  to  be  a  considerable  sea-port 
town,  and  accounted  next  to  Boston  for  trade  and 
population.  I  went  on  board  a  new  vessel  built  by 
a  merchant  of  the  name  of  Darby,  that  measured,  as 
they  informed  us,  600  tons.  She  is  called  the  Grand 
Turk,  and  is  intended  for  the  India  trade. 

I  was  shown  the  place  where  these  infatuated 
New  England  people,  about  the  year  1692,  put  19 
persons,  men  and  women,  to  death,  for  witchcraft, 
and  pressed  one  other  poor  creature  to  death  for  the 
same  pretended  crime,  tho'  it  afterwards  sufficiently 
appeared  that  there  was  very  little  (if  any)  just  ground 
for  proceeding  in  this  severe  manner  against  them,  and 
some  of  the  foremost  of  their  historians  confessed  in 
print  that  they  were  under  a  strong  delusion  of  Satan. 

At  the  time  they  stopped  this  persecution  there 
were  a  great  number  more  in  confinement  and  under 
accusation,  and  one  of  their  foremost  Priests  or  Min- 
isters among  the  rest, — and  so  they  dismissed  the  poor 
creatures  after  the  law  was  repealed. 

It  was  remarkable  that  none  of  our  Friends  were 
accused;  but  it  was  rather  by  some  considered  as  a 
judgment  upon  them  for  their  cruelty  in  taking  the 
lives  of  our  brethren,  William  Robinson,  Marmaduke 
Stevenson,  Mary  Dyer,  and  William  Leddra,  and  the 
severe  whipping,  cutting  ofF  ears,  banishment,  and 
other  barbarous  treatment  of  very  many  others  of 
our  dear  Friends,  a  few  years  before. 

And  this  was  not  the  only  indication  of  the  hand 
of  Heaven  being  against  them,  for  the  native  Indians, 
for  a  long  course  of  years  after  they  had  stained  their 
hands  with  the  blood  of  our  innocent  Friends,  were, 


jS  [7th  ITIO.  29th, 

as  it  were,  let  loose  upon  the  people  of  the  land,  and 
many  hundred  were  murdered,  and  carried  into  cap- 
tivity and  tortured  to  death  in  cold  blood. 

Another  remarkable  circumstance  which  took 
place  in  this  Government  of  Massachusetts  Bay  was, 
that  their  land  would  not  produce  wheat,  whereas,  at 
the  first  settling  of  it,  it  is  said  that  grain  grew  well, 
and  came  to  a  good  degree  of  perfection ;  but  we  ob- 
served that  they  had  almost  wholly  given  over  en- 
deavouring to  cultivate  it,  having  been  so  often  dis- 
appointed of  having  any  increase,  owing  to  a  kind  of 
blast  that  commonly  took  it  after  it  had  shot  up  into 
ear.  Their  chief  grain  is  rye  and  indian  corn,  tho' 
but  poor,  of  which  they  make  their  bread  mostly. 

6th  Day^  2C)th. — We  have  been  two  months  from 
homxC  to-day.  Very  early  our  dear  Friends  Mary 
Ridgway,  Jane  Watson,  Samuel  Rodman  and  wife, 
&c.,  parted  with  us,  in  order  to  pursue  their  journey 
further  eastward ;  and  we,  after  staying  the  morning 
at  Salem,  and  dining  at  Captain  Needham's,  and  hav- 
ing a  parting  sitting  at  James  Needham's,  set  forward 
with  Eunice  Fitch,  and  reached  her  habitation  at  Med- 
ford,  15  miles,  in  the  evening.  Here  we  took  up 
our  quarters  for  the  night. 

This  Friend  has,  within  these  few  years,  been 
convinced  of  our  principles,  and  after  enduring  many 
deep  trials  and  exercises,  on  various  accounts,  is  now 
become  a  grave,  solid  woman,  and  accepted  as  a  mem- 
ber among  us,  and  my  desire  on  her  account  is,  that 
she  may  be  preserved  to  hold  her  integrity  to  the  end 
— that  so  she  may  finish  her  course  in  peace  with  the 
Lord,  which  is  the  crown  of  all  our  labours  in  this  world. 


I79I.]  79 

'jth  Day^  ipth. — Rode  5  miles  to  Boston,  and  there 
spent  the  day,  going  round  to  see  several  Friends. — 
This  town,  about  which  I  walked  several  times,  is  an 
irregularly  built  place;  the  streets  narrow,  and  paved 
with  pebble  stone,  without  a  brick  foot-way,  which 
renders  it  unpleasant  and  painful  to  the  feet.  The 
buildings  are  mostly  of  wood,  but  many  of  the  houses 
large  and  roomy,  neatly  painted  and  ornamented. 

The  police  is  well  attended  to,  and  on  First-day 
remarkably  quiet  and  orderly.  The  Presbyterian 
Meeting  Houses  are  spacious  buildings,  and  the  peo- 
ple zealous  in  frequenting  their  places  of  worship ; — 
very  civil  in  their  deportment  towards  strangers-,  and 
much  moderated  in  their  sentiments  towards  those 
who  differ  from  them  in  religious  sentiments. 

\st  Day^  2t^^i' — At  a  small  Meeting  in  the  fore- 
noon, my  companion  had  a  few  words  to  communi- 
cate;  in  the  afternoon  he  was  larger  in  testimony. 
He  had  been  under  much  exercise  of  mind  in  Boston, 
and  thought  he  should  not  be  clear  without  appointing 
a  Meeting  for  the  inhabitants  generally.  Upon  ap- 
plication to  the  Select-men,  as  they  are  called,  they 
readily  granted  the  use  of  Faneuil  Hall,  and  the  4th 
hour  to-morrow  was  fixed  on  for  the  time  of  gather- 
ing. In  the  evening  Thomas  had  some  satisfactory 
service  in  a  family  sitting  at  our  lodgings. 

2d  Day ^  1st  of  Eighth  month. — My  beloved  com- 
panion, having  for  the  greater  part  of  the  time  since  our 
coming  to  Boston,  been  greatly  distressed  and  exercised 
in  his  mind,  and  seeing  no  way  to  get  relief  but  by  ap- 
pointing a  public  Meeting,  it  was,  agreeable  to  appoint- 
ment, held    to-day  at    Faneuil    Hall,  where   a   large 


8o  [8th  mo.  2d, 

number  of  people  of  different  denominations  assem- 
bled. He  was  enabled  to  ease  his  mind  of  a  heavy 
burden,  and  I  hope  no  injury  was  done  to  the  cause 
of  Truth,  but  that  the  opportunity  might  prove  use- 
ful to  some. 

3^  Day^  id. — Last  evening  and  this  morning  vis- 
ited most  if  not  all  the  families  of  Friends  in  this 
town — about  6  in  number.  After  dinner  at  Griffith 
Barney's,  set  out  for  Lynn,  where  we  arrived  about 
4,  at  the  house  of  our  kind  friend  Samuel  Collins, 
who  had  set  out  from  Boston  to  conduct  us  to  his 
house,  but  we  missed  seeing  him. 

In  the  afternoon  we  took  a  pleasant  walk,  about 
half  a  mile,  to  the  sea-shore,  where  we  had  a  full 
view  out  to  sea.  This  is  a  rocky,  iron-bound  shore 
for  many  miles  along  the  coast. 

Afth  Day^  3^.— At  the  Week-day  Meeting  at  Lynn, 
made  up  mostly  of  Friends,  Cousin  Thomas  was  fer- 
vently engaged  to  discharge  his  duty  on  behalf  of  the 
great  cause  which  had  drawn  him  from  his  family  and 
near  connections  in  life,  and  ability  was  afforded  to 
impart  his  prospects  and  feelings  in  a  manner  that 
took  sensible  hold  of  the  minds  of  most  that  were 
present,  so  that  I  hope  the  audience  received  benefit 
and  encouragement  through  his  labour  of  love. 

This  town  of  Lynn  is  the  place  which  some 
Friends  have  in  view  to  remove  the  Yearly  Meeting  to ; 
and  I  think  it  is  not  improbable  that  it  may  take  place 
at  some  future  time.  After  the  conclusion  of  the 
Meeting  for  Worship,  the  Preparative  Meeting  was 
held ;  after  which  we  dined  and  went  forward  to  Sa- 
lem, and  lodged  at  James  Needham*s. 


I79I-]  ^' 

^th  Day^  \th. — At  Meeting  at  Salem  to-day ;  my 
companion  was  favoured  with  an  open  good  time — the 
most  so,  I  think,  of  any  since  we  have  been  out  to- 
gether. He  was  also  concerned  to  communicate  some- 
thing in  love  and  tenderness  at  Jas.  Needham's,  before 
we  parted,  which  was,  with  many  tears,  about  4. 

After  we  got  to  our  lodgings  at  Boston,  most  of 
the  Friends  of  note  of  that  place  being  present,  he 
had,  for  the  last  time,  an  opportunity  to  relieve  his 
mind,  and  was  plain  and  honest  in  his  labour,  which 
I  earnestly  desire  may  tend  to  strengthen  that  which 
remains  in  some  minds,  which  may  be  ready  to  die. 

^th  Day\  s^h. — Was  up  this  morning  at  day-break, 
and  on  the  road  about  half  after  four.  Taking  our  leave 
of  Boston,  we  breakfasted,  about  9  miles  on  our  way 
to  Providence,  at  Dedham,  the  place  where  they  for- 
merly banished  our  dear  Friends  to,  then  a  wilderness ; 
at  least  they  sent  them  so  far  on  their  way  into  the 
desert,  and  so  left  them  to  take  their  chance  among 
the  wild  beasts  and  Indians,  who  were,  in  some  in- 
stances, kinder  than  their  bloody-minded  persecutors. 

Baited  at  the  "  Buck,"  and  dined  at  the  "Crown," 
and  so  went  on,  and  baited  once  more  before  we 
reached  Moses  Brown's,  at  Providence,  which,  I  think, 
we  made  a  50-mile  ride  to-day,  by  reason  of  missing 
our  way.  So  it  was  about  dark  when  we  got  into  our 
quarters,  and  we  were  a  good  deal  fagged  and  weary. 

The  road  from  Boston  to  Providence  is  not  a  bad 
one  for  this  country,  take  it  all  together,  and  being  a 
Post  road,  is  attended  to  a  little  more  than  the  cross- 
country roads,  which  are  abounding  in  stones.  These 
stones  might  be  reckoned  a  part  of  the  riches  of  this 


8* 


82  [8th  mo.  6th, 

country,  if  they  would  build  good  houses  of  them,  but 
they  seem  prejudiced  against  them,  as  we  don't  see 
one  stone  house  among  five  hundred,  according  to  my 
observation. 

ph  Day^  6th. — Had  a  good  night's  rest,  after 
yesterday's  hard  ride,  and  spent  the  morning  agreea- 
bly in  Moses  Brown's  family,  who  was  kind  and  re- 
spectful. After  dinner,  he  invited  us  to  go  to  Provi- 
dence, about  a  mile  from  his  house.  Here  we  had  a 
view  of  the  cotton  manufactory  of  velvets,  corduroys, 
and  jeans,  which  appeared  in  a  prosperous  way. 

Met  our  friend  and  townsman,  James  Bringhurst, 
and  had  some  account  by  him  from  home.  Drank 
tea  at  Wm.  Almy's,  Moses  Brown's  son-in-law,  after 
which  we  went  home  with  Moses,  and  had  a  good 
night's  rest  under  his  roof. 

jst  Day^  yth. — The  morning  Meeting  at  Provi- 
dence was  held  in  silence,  about  6o  or  70  persons 
present.  In  the  afternoon,  my  companion  had  some- 
thing to  communicate,  which,  I  believe,  was  well  re- 
ceived. Visited  Job  Scott's  family,  he  having  lately 
buried  his  wife,  who  has  left  a  number  of  children  be- 
hind. He  appeared  supported  under  his  affliction,  and 
much  resigned  under  so  trying  a  dispensation. 

At  Thomas  Arnold's  we  had  a  short  sitting. 
Cousin  Thomas  was  concerned  to  mention  the  dan- 
ger of  looking  back  to  Egypt,  after  having  in  a  meas- 
ure experienced  a  deliverance  from  the  bondage  and 
captivity  of  Pharoah  and  his  hard  task-masters;  and 
also  some  further  knowledge  of  the  work  of  true  re- 
ligion. We  then  returned  to  our  lodgings  at  Moses 
Brown's,  he  and  his  kind  and  affectionate  wife  being 


I79I.]  83 

with  us.  Moses  observed  that  Thomas  was  here  fa- 
voured to  hit  the  mark  in  his  religious  communica- 
tion. 

2^  Day^  Sih, — This  morning  was  chiefly  spent 
in  free  and  friendly  converse.  About  noon  came  up 
a  fine  rain,  which  was  truly  acceptable  to  the  thirsty 
land,  which  stood  much  in  need  of  it — having  been 
near  three  months  much  parched  with  drouth  here- 
away. 

After  it  cleared  away,  we  went  with  our  friend 
Brown  and  his  wife  to  visit  some  Friends  in  the  town 
of  Providence,  where  my  companion  had  some  suita- 
ble matter  to  deliver  in  several  family  sittings,  and 
came  home  to  our  lodgings  in  peace. 

I  had  to-day  an  opportunity  of  going  through 
Providence,  which  I  don't  think  very  pleasantly  situ- 
ated, lying  under,  or  rather  on  the  side  of,  a  great  hill. 
It  contains  two  principal  streets,  about  a  mile  and  a 
half  long. 

The  buildings  are  mostly  wood;  some  are  of  brick, 
but  few  of  them  elegant.  The  Baptist  Meeting  House, 
however,  must  be  allowed  to  have  a  spacious  appear- 
ance, with  a  costly  steeple,  which,  I  think,  exceeds 
either  of  ours  in  Philadelphia. 

There  are  several  persons  who  carry  on  trade  in  a 
shipping  way  to  a  considerable  extent.  I  was  shown 
the  place  where  a  large  ship  of  900  tons  was  lately 
built,  which  is  now  on  her  voyage  to  India.  The 
land  around  this  place  is  light  and  sandy,  much  like 
the  Jerseys. 

3^/  Day^  gtb. — This  was  a  fine  rainy  day,  which 
was  a  pleasing  sight  to  many  who  depend  upon  the 


84  [8th  mo.  lOth, 

culture  of  the  ground  for  bread.  Divers  Friends 
stopped  and  lodged  at  this  house  on  their  way  to 
Portsmouth  Quarterly  Meeting.  Employed  myself 
in  writing  several  pieces  I  thought  worth  preserving. 

In  the  evening  we  had  a  sitting  in  the  family,  in 
which  my  beloved  companion  was  largely  engaged  to 
extend  council  and  warning  to  several  states  present, 
particularly  the  younger  part  of  the  household,  which 
I  wish  may  be  remembered  at  a  future  day,  and  the 
snares  of  the  Enemy  of  all  Righteousness  avoided  by 
the  simple  and  unwary,  whom  he  is  watching  to  be- 
tray and  deceive. 

^th  Day^  J  0th. — Rose  early,  and  set  out  with 
Moses  Brown  and  several  other  Friends.  We  crossed 
a  small  ferry  near  Providence,  and  another  at  a  little 
town  called  Warren.  Afterwards  we  came  to  Bristol 
Ferry,  where  we  once  more  came  in  sight  of  the  Gar- 
den of  America — Rhode  Island. 

We  got  well  over  about  10  o'clock,  and  called 
at  Benjamin  Freeborn's,  where  we  partook  of  some 
refreshment.  Then  went  to  Jacob  Mott's,  with  an  in- 
tention to  stay 'till  the  Quarterly  Meeting  to-morrow. 

^th  Day^  i  \th. — The  Quarterly  Meeting  was  held 
at  Portsmouth,  at  the  north  end  jf  Rhode  Island.  It 
was  a  large  Meeting,  consisting  of  7  Monthly  Meet- 
ings, and  it  is  remarkable  that  tho'  Friends  are  so  nu- 
merous hereaways,  there  are  but  very  few  Ministering 
Friends ;  our  friend  Job  Scott  is  one  of  the  most  noted 
belonging  to  this  quarter,  and  Patience  Brayton  an- 
other— she  belongs  to  Swansey.  Job  and  Cousin 
Thomas  were  both  engaged  for  the  good  of  the  people. 
May  a  blessing  attend  their  honest  labour. 


1791.]  85 

The  business  was  finished  about  5,  and  we  rode 
through  the  rain  to  our  quarters,  where  we  partook  of 
a  late  dinner  with  many  other  Friends  from  divers  parts. 

The  rain  continued  all  night,  'Tis  likely  this 
may  produce  a  fresh  vegetation,  which  hath  been  much 
stagnated  by  several  months'  dry  weather.  A  good 
bed,  after  such  an  exercising  day,  was  very  comforta- 
ble and  refreshing; — moreover,  here  our  poor  horse 
fared  well. 

6th  Day^  12th. — This  day  it  cleared  away,  and 
many  Friends  came  to  our  quarters,  it  being  a  house 
much  noted  for  the  entertainment  of  Friends.  My 
companion  had  a  good  time  in  a  family  sitting.  Af- 
terwards I  had  a  good  time  to  write  to  my  dear  wife. 
Cousin  Thomas  also  wrote  to  his  family. 

In  the  afternoon  we  went  off  the  island,  to  the 
Widow  Barker's,  at  Tiverton,  crossing  a  ferry  about 
as  wide  as  our  Schuylkill.  This  was  a  very  pleasant 
ride;  we  met  with  good  accommodations,  and  kind 
entertainment.  James  Bringhurst  and  wife  were  with 
us,  and  very  friendly. 

yih Day^  I'^th, — Dear  Thomas,  finding  his  mind 
opened  so  far  as  to  appoint  a  Meeting,  notice  was  ac- 
cordingly given,  and  a  considerable  number  of  Friends 
and  others  assembled  about  the  nth  hour. 

He  was  quickly  ready  to  communicate  what  he 
was  furnished  with  in  exhortation  and  encouragement 
respecting  the  greatest  of  all  concernments,  to  wit: 
the  everlasting  welfare  of  the  immortal  soul — which, 
'tis  hoped,  had  a  tendency  to  strengthen  and  invigor- 
ate that  in  some  which  had  long  languished,  and  even 
been  nearly  extinguished. 


86  [8th  mo.  14th, 

They  had  been  so  remiss  and  lukewarm  in  the 
attendance  of  their  Week-day  Meeting,  that  the 
Monthly  Meeting  of  Salem,  to  which  they  belonged, 
apprehended  it  most  proper  to  put  down  their  Week- 
day Meeting,  as  there  did  not  appear  a  disposition  to 
keep  it  up  with  that  zeal  and  reputation  which  is  pro- 
per and  necessary  to  protect  it  from  reproach. 

He  had  also  a  good  service  in  a  sitting  with  the 
family  after  we  had  dined.  About  4  we  recrossed  the 
ferry,  and  came  to  Newport  in  the  dusk  of  the  even- 
ing. 

I  retired  to  bed  early,  having  been  much  afflicted 
the  latter  part  of  the  day  with  a  bad  fit  of  the  sick 
headache,  as  severe  as  any  I  have  had  since  I  left  my 
own  home.  My  kind  friends  at  our  lodging  mani- 
fested much  tenderness  and  affection  towards  me.  In 
the  morning  it  went  off,  and  I  was  enabled  to  go  on 
as  usual  with  what  my  hands  found  to  do  in  necessary 
concerns,  writing  to  my  dear  partner,  &c.,  and  truly, 
I  did  not  lack  employment  of  one  kind  or  other. 

1st  Day^  i\th. — At  forenoon  and  afternoon  Meet- 
ings my  companion  was  exercised  in  his  gift  in  the 
Ministry  with  good  authority.  His  labour  of  love  ap- 
peared to  have  good  place  in  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple, who  behaved  with  becoming  solidity  and  quietude. 
This  being  the  last  Meeting  we  were  like  to  have  at 
Newport,  the  opportunity  was  favourable  for  him  to 
clear  himself,  so  as  to  depart  in  peace. 

Dined  at  our  friend  John  Hadwen's,  and  drank 
tea  at  Giles  Hosier's,  where  Cousin  Thomas  was  again 
commissioned  to  dispense  a  portion  of  the  Word  to 
divers  states  present  who  were  labouring  under  dis- 


I79I.]  87 

couragements.  He  was  also  concerned  to  speak  again 
in  the  evening  at  Thomas  Robinson's,  remarkably  to 
some  of  the  younger  branches  of  the  family.  So  this 
day  was  spent,  I  hope,  not  without  some  degree  of 
profit,  both  to  ourselves  and  others. 

id  Day ^  \^th, — Dispatched  a  long  letter  to  my 
dear  wife,  and  just  after  I  had  sealed  it,  our  towns- 
man John  Warder  brought  me  three  from  my  dear 
family. 

These  letters  contained  an  account  of  the  decease 
of  my  wife's  father,  John  Elliott,  in  great  peace,  as 
his  life  had  been  circumspect  and  virtuous.  We  are 
favoured  with  a  comfortable  hope  that  he  is  released 
in  mercy  from  the  troubles  and  afflictions  of  time, 
and  admitted  into  those  mansions  of  happiness  pre- 
pared for  the  righteous. 

He  was  about  78  years  of  age,  and  had  for  some 
considerable  time  been  in  a  great  measure  helpless,  by 
reason  of  a  paralytic  disorder,  which  in  a  great  meas- 
ure deprived  him  of  the  use  of  his  limbs.  It  also  af- 
fected his  speech. 

He  died  the  first  of  the  present  month,  about  3 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  left  a  good  savour  behind 
him,  both  among  Friends  and  others. 

We  dined  to-day  at  Thomas  Robinson's,  with  a 
number  of  other  Friends.  Afterwards  paid  several 
short  visits  at  Mary  Rodman's,  Elizabeth  Hunting- 
ton's, and  Ann  Carpenter's,  at  all  which  places  Cou- 
sin Thomas  was  concerned  in  testimony. 

His  gift  in  families,  as  well  as  more  publicly,  is 
large,  clear,  and  instructive,  and  his  labour  from  family 
to  family,  where  our  lot  hath  been  cast,  has  been  well 


88  [8th  mo.  1 6th, 

received,  and  generally  had  a  considerable  reach  on  the 
minds  of  those  present,  so  that  they  were  often  broken 
into  tenderness,  and  I  hope  the  seed  thus  sown  may 
produce  an  increase  to  the  praise  and  honour  of  the 
Great  and  Good  Husbandman,  and  also  to  the  further- 
ance and  building  up  of  the  sincere  in  heart  in  the  Way 
of  Life  and  Salvation. 

3^  Day^  ibth. — Dined  this  day  at  our  lodgings, 
and  after  dinner  went  about  7  miles  to  Isaac  Lawton*s. 
Soon  after  we  got  there,  we  walked  over  to  Job  Al- 
my's,  and  had  a  sitting  in  his  family,  in  which  my 
companion  expressed  what  weighed  upon  his  spirit. 
We  then  took  our  leave,  and  returned  to  Isaac  Law- 
ton's.  About  bed-time,  had  a  gust  of  rain,  with 
thunder  and  lightning. 

\th  Day^  I'jth. — This  was  their  Week-day  Meet- 
ing in  course  at  Portsmouth,  which  we  attended.  My 
companion  had  a  good  service,  and  was  favoured  to 
leave  them  in  a  good  degree  of  clearness. 

Dined  at  Jacob  Mott's;  afterwards  had  a  sitting 
in  his  family,  in  which  Cousin  Thomas  was  concerned 
to  press  the  necessity  of  a  devotedness  of  heart  to  fol- 
low the  Divine  requirings,  as  the  only  condition  of 
being  in  a  state  of  acceptance,  when  the  solemn  sum- 
mons shall  call  us  out  of  time  into  that  state  of  ever- 
lasting fixedness,  towards  which  we  are  with  swift 
advances  hastening. 

In  the  afternoon  called  to  see  our  antient  Friend 
James  Mitchel,  and  came  to  Newport  seasonably  in 
the  evening.  In  a  family  sitting  at  our  lodgings,  my 
companion  was  large  and  fervent  in  his  labour  for  the 
good  of  those  present,  who  were  much  affected. 


I79I-]  ^9 

^th  Da).,  iSth^  and  6th  Da)\  \<^th. — This  day 
we  concluded  to  embark  with  Capt.  Lawton  for  New 
York.  We  spent  the  morning  in  taking  leave  of  our 
kind  friends,  and  getting  our  horse  and  chaise  on  board. 
Afternoon,  had  a  sitting  in  the  family  of  our  kind  land- 
lord, John  Hadwen,  in  which  my  companion  was  en- 
gaged to  commemorate  the  Lord's  goodness  in  carry- 
ing through  His  dependent  children  to  the  praise  of 
His  Name;  and  a  word  of  encouragement  to  trust 
and  confide  in  His  Fatherly  Protection  and  Providence 
— about  25  being  present. 

We  then  walked  down  to  the  vessel,  accompa- 
nied by  a  number  of  friends,  and  set  sail  from  New- 
port about  the  lOth  hour,  with  a  fair  wind.  At  11 
we  passed  the  Light  House  on  the  point  of  Connanicut 
Island,  and  opened  the  main  ocean,  the  wind  about 
north,  and  a  pleasant  easy  gale. 

Did  not  feel  disposed  to  be  sick,  but  rather  an 
appetite  to  food.  About  noon,  the  wind  came  more 
to  the  east,  and  fair.  We  went  before  it  at  about  5 
or  6  knots  an  hour. 

Passing  Block  Island,  we  had  sight  of  Montauk 
Point,  on  Long  Island,  about  2,  and  still  going  on  with 
a  fair  small  breeze,  we  passed  New  London  Light 
House,  and  so  into  what  is  properly  called  the  Sound, 
where  the  navigation  is  reckoned  more  safe. 

Our  Captain,  as  usual,  put  on  his  watch-coat  and 
stood  the  deck  all  night,  which  made  us  easy  to  go 
into  our  berths,  and  compose  ourselves  to  rest  for  the 
night. 

Our  fellow-passengers  were  one  man,  three  wo- 
men, two  servants  and  one  child,  for  all  of  whom  we  had 


go  [8th  mo.  19th, 

good  accommodations,  and  so  were  very  comfortable. 
Our  horse,  in  the  hold,  seemed  as  well  content  as  if 
he  were  in  a  stable,  and  eat  his  hay  and  oats  with  an 
appetite. 

Between  12  and  i,  I  turned  out  of  my  berth  and 
went  upon  deck,  and  found  we  were  under  fine  way, 
about  eight  knots  an  hour.  The  wind  being  steady, 
the  Peggy  had  but  little  motion,  so  we  were  free  from 
sickness — the  bilge-water  being  at  rest,  which  com- 
monly turns  the  stomachs  of  the  passengers  not  used 
to  travelling  by  water. 

We  had,  however,  one  inconvenience  to  encoun- 
ter— that  was,  a  great  number  of  fleas,  which  Were 
busily  employed  in  getting  their  livings  out  of  us. 

About  I  o'clock  it  began  to  rain,  and  the  ve'ssel 
to  have  a  considerable  motion.  However,  as  we  still 
made  good  way  towards  our  desired  port,  it  kept  up 
our  spirits,  and  we  had  an  appetite  for  a  bit  of  good 
cheese  and  porter,  of  which  we  had  some  of  the  best 

on  board. 

When  the  day  dawned,  we  had  run  nearly  two- 
thirds  of  our  passage.  The  rain  and  wind  increased, 
yet  we  were  not  uncomfortable  in  the  cabin. 

About  12  at  noon  we  went  through  the  narrow 
passage,  by  some  called  Hell  Gate,  (but  I  think  a 
better  name  would  be  Whirl  Gate).  About  half  after 
two  we  landed  at  New  York,  having  had  a  good  pas- 
sage of  28  hours. 

May  our  minds  be  properly  impressed  with  a 
sense  of  the  protection  and  providence  of  the  Great 
Preserver.  Lodged  at  James  Parson's,  where  we  were 
kindly  accommodated. 


179^-]  91 

'jth  Day^  20th. — Wrote  a  letter  to  my  friends  at 
Newport,  and  part  of  one  to  my  dear  wife.  After- 
wards went  down  to  Capt.  Lawton's  vessel,  and  had 
my  horse  and  chaise  landed.  Then  took  a  ride  with 
James  Parsons,  Jun.,  to  stretch  my  horse's  legs,  after 
standing  in  the  hold,  and  found  him  in  good  spirits. 
Had  some  of  the  harness  repaired. 

Dined  at  Henry  Haydock's ;  he  had  five  daugh- 
ters at  the  table.  Afternoon,  went  to  see  our  towns- 
folks,  Jonathan  Shoemaker  and  wife  and  company,  at 
their  lodgings  at  John  Murry's.  Then  called  to  see 
Nathaniel  Clark  and  John  Dean's  families,  and  so 
home  and  to  rest. 

i^^  Day^  list. — At  Meeting  in  the  forenoon — ■ 
which  was  silent.  Dined  at  Benjamin  Haviland's, 
who  kindly  offered  to  accompany  us  to  Rahway. — 
About  3  we  went  on  board  the  boat,  and  landed  at 
Elizabethtown  Point  in  about  two  hours  and  a  quarter, 
the  distance  is  called  15  miles. 

Got  to  Joseph  Shotwell's,  at  Rahway,  before  7, 
when  divers  of  our  old  friends  came  in  to  see  us — my 
companion  being  particularly  beloved  in  this  place. 

2d  Day^  22d. — This  was  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
at  Rahway,  and  the  gathering  large,  many  people  of 
other  Societies  being  there,  some  of  them  very  light 
and  airy  in  their  spirits. 

My  companion  sat  a  considerable  time  in  silence, 
yet  at  length  was  favoured  in  a  full,  clear,  and  well- 
accepted  testimony,  before  the  Meeting  separated,  and 
also  at  the  conclusion,  when  the  partition  between  the 
men  and  women  was  opened,  in  order  that  what  he 
had  to  say  might  be  heard  on  both  sides  of  the  house. 


g2  •  [8th  mo.  23d, 

Dined  at  John  Haydock's.  Afterwards  called 
in  to  see  Isaac  Martin,  Henry  Shotwell,  and  John 
Shotwell.  Then  went  home,  and  had  a  sitting  at  our 
lodging,  where  Cousin  Thomas  was  again  concerned 
to  speak  to  the  edification  and  comfort  of  those  pres- 
ent, several  of  whom  were  much  tendered.  Wrote 
to  my  dear  wife, — and  so  this  day  finished. 

3^  Day^  23^. — The  Youth's  Meeting  was  this 
day  held,  which  may  be  called  a  high  day,  if  not  an 
holy  day — my  companion  being  enabled  to  preach  the 
Gospel  in  a  degree  of  the  Power  and  authority  which 
ever  accompanies  a  true  and  living  Ministry — proceed- 
ing from  the  Divine  Fountain  of  Love,  after  which 
he  concluded  the  Meeting  in  prayer. 

Dined  with  many  Friends  at  Joseph  Shotwell's. 
Drank  tea  at  Isaac  Martin's.  Afterwards  had  a  sat- 
isfactory sitting  at  our  lodgings,  with  about  20  Friends, 
and  then  retired  to  rest. 

\th  Day^  24//?. — Arose  before  day,  and  got  on  the 
road  a  little  before  5,  and  enjoyed  the  refreshing  ex- 
halations of  a  Summer's  morning,  which  was  exceed- 
ingly reviving  to  nature. 

Took  a  second  breakfast  at  Brunswick,  and  pro- 
ceeded for  Princeton.  Reached  Robert  White's  about 
I  o'clock,  which  is  called  34  miles.  Here  my  com- 
panion felt  easy  to  make  a  halt  and  rest  ourselves,  the 
day  being  very  warm.  So  we  got  our  dinner,  and 
spent  the  afternoon  agreeably  at  our  kind  friend's 
house,  where  our  horse  and  ourselves  were  well  pro- 
vided for. 

My  beloved  companion,  in  this  day's  ride,  ex- 
pressed more  fullv  than  usual  his  satisfaction  and  peace 


I79I-]  93 

of  mind,  in  being  thus  favoured  to  accomplish  our 
journey  so  far,  and  signified  that  he  thought  himself 
clear  of  New  England. 

He  had  been  at  times  much  exercised,  both  in 
mind  and  body,  and  I  had  an  opportunity  of  being  a 
witness  of  the  arduous  engagement  that  such  an  un- 
dertaking necessarily  creates. 

Indeed,  were  it  not  for  Divine  assistance,  it  could 
not  be  performed,  and  gone  through,  with  real  profit, 
either  to  the  individual  or  the  people — but,  through 
Holy  Help,  the  poor  baptized  instrument  is  supported 
from  day  to  day ;  and  strength  and  ability  mercifully 
vouchsafed  by  the  Great  Master  to  His  humble,  de- 
pendent children. 

^th  Day^  25/^. — Was  out  of  bed  about  4  j  a  thick, 
foggy  morning,  which  presaged  a  warm  day,  and  so  it 
proved.  I  thought  it  the  warmest  I  had  felt  since  I 
left  home. 

Reached  Isaac  Collins'  at  Trenton,  about  7,  and 
took  a  second  breakfast.  Went  up  into  his  printing 
room,  where  his  hands  were  busily  employed  on  a 
quarto  edition  of  the  Holy  Bible,  which  they  were 
near  finishing ; — a  great  work,  and,  I  believe,  the  first 
of  the  size  printed  in  America. 

He  told  us  he  meant  to  strike  off  5,000  impres- 
sions, which  would  occasion  him  to  advance,  in  paper 
and  workmanship,  at  least  from  ^4,000  to  <;^5,ooo, 
before  he  could  receive  any  advantage.  But,  as  our 
Society  in  the  United  States,  and  particularly  in  Penn- 
sylvania, have  encouraged  the  work,  by  subscription 
and  otherwise,  I  hope  his  laudable  and  industrious  en- 
deavours may  be  finally  blessed  and  prospered. 

9* 


Q4  [8th  mo.  26th, 

Put  on  from  Trenton ;  crossed  the  Delaware,  and 
got  to  Samuel  Moon's,  by  the  Falls  Meeting  House, 
half  an  hour  before  Meeting  time. 

This  Quarterly  Meeting  for  Bucks  County  is 
very  large.  Several  Friends  appeared  in  short  testi- 
monies— my  companion  was  one. 

Meeting  held  'till  3,  and  after  we  got  into  our 
quarters,  there  came  on  the  heaviest  rain  that  I  had 
seen  for  many  months,  attended  with  thunder  and 
lightning;  and  so  we  were  weather-bound,  and  pre- 
vented from  going  to  a  Friend's  house,  a  few  miles 
distant. 

However,  towards  evening  it  abated,  and  we  went 
to  Jonathan  Kirkbride's  as  the  night  shut  in.  A  num- 
ber of  other  Friends  also  lodged  at  this  house,  being 
large,  and  a  place  long  noted  for  entertaining  Friends. 

6th  Day^lbth. — This  also  proved  a  very  hot  day. 
For  that  reason  set  off  early  for  Meeting,  that  we  might 
have  a  little  time  to  rest  at  a  Friend's  house  before  we 
went  in. 

Our  horse,  also,  after  such  a  long  journey,  was 
somewhat  worn  down,  tho'  his  spirits  did  not  fail,  and 
he  performed  well  on  the  whole. 

At  Meeting,  Samuel  WilsOxi  appeared  first,  then 
Cousin  Thomas  was  large  and  fervent,  spending  and 
being  spent  for  the  good  of  the  people — and  truly,  if 
such  favours  are  not  prized,  and  the  visitations  of  Di- 
vine kindness  and  love  joined  in  with,  I  fear  it  may 
prove  as  an  hand-writing  against  us  in  the  awful  Day 
of  Account. 

Dined  at  Samuel  Moon's,  and  afterwards  set  off 
for  Bristol,  and  lodged  at  Phineas  Buckley's. 


I79I-]  95 

jth  Day^  2']th. — Wrote  a  letter  to  my  dear  wife 
early  this  morning,  and  sent  it  by  a  person  going  di- 
rectly to  Philadelphia.  Afterwards  crossed  over  to 
Burlington. 

Here  we  met  with  many  Friends  who  came  from 
the  neighbouring  parts  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, to  be  held  here  on  Second-day. 

We  dined  at  Elizabeth  Barker's,  and  drank  tea 
and  lodged  at  John  Hoskins'. 

1st  Day^  28/^. — At  morning  Meeting  at  Burling- 
ton, my  companion  first  had  a  favoured  time;  then 
our  friend  Solomon  Gaskill,  and  then  Cousin  Thomas 
concluded  the  Meeting  in  prayer.  Dined  at  John 
Cox's. 

About  3  my  two  sons,  John  and  Caleb,  came  up 
in  the  stage-boat  from  Philadelphia,  which  afforded  me 
much  satisfaction  and  pleasure,  in  seeing  them,  and 
hearing  more  particularly  from  my  dear  wife  and 
friends  at  home. 

Afternoon  Meeting  was  silent.  Tea  at  Daniel 
Smith's,  and  having  spent  the  evening  agreeably,  we 
went  to  rest  in  good  season. 

2d  Day^  2()th. — This  proved  the  hottest  day,  ac- 
cording to  my  apprehension,  of  any  I  have  experienced 
or  felt  this  Summer. 

The  Quarterly  Meeting  for  business  began,  as 
usual,  at  the  nth  hour.  Huson  Longstreth  appeared 
in  public  testimony  with  good  acceptance.  There  be- 
ing much  business,  the  sitting  was  long,  and  trying  to 
weak  constitutions.  The  Meeting  concluded  about  5. 
Dined  at  John  Hoskins',  with  many  other  Friends,  and 
was  pretty  well  carried  through  this  very  warm  day. 


q6  [8th  mo.  30th, 

3^  Day^  ^oth. — After  a  sultry  night,  were  glad 
to  get  into  the  fresh  morning  air,  and  so  rose  early. 
Was  favoured  to  be  pretty  clear  of  my  head-ache. 
About  10,  the  heat  increased  nearly  equal  to  what  it 
was  yesterday. 

The  Youth's  Meeting  was  much  thronged;  nev- 
erthless,  the  fervent  labourers  in  the  vineyard  were 
enabled  to  lift  up  their  voices — Rebecca  Brown  first, 
then  Mary  Newbold ;  after  her  Benjamin  Clark,  and 
then  my  companion,  all  in  a  good  degree  of  clearness 
and  Gospel  authority,  so  that  light  and  chafFy  spirits 
were,  as  it  were,  commanded  into  silent  attention,  and 
the  Meeting  was  covered  with  solid  weight. 

Our  Friend  Rebecca  Wright  closed  the  service 
in  supplication,  in  which  the  hearts  of  many  present 
feelingly  joined  in  ascribing  praise  where  only  it  is  due. 

After  dining,  we  crossed  Delaware  River,  and 
immediately  set  off  in  our  chaise  for  Philadelphia, 
where  we  arrived  about  8,  and  found  our  families 
well,  and  met  with  an  affectionate  reception. 

Thus,  having  been  enabled  to  perform  this  little 
Labour  of  Love  in  accompanying  my  beloved  friend 
and  cousin  in  this  journey  to  some  parts  of  New  Eng- 
land, and  having  evidently  experiexiced  the  Good  Hand 
to  be  near  to  open  the  way  for  us,  and  strengthen  us, 
in  the  work  of  His  requiring,  I  was  made  truly  thank- 
ful, and  now  desire  to  render  the  praise  and  honour  to 
Him  who  is  alone  worthy — forever  more. 

THE    END 

OF  MY 

NEW  ENGLAND  JOURNEY. 


I79I-]  97 


I   NOW  GO   ON  WITH 


Short  Notes  on  the  Time 


AS   IT  PASSED   AT  HOME. 


4th  Day,  8th  Mo.  31st,  179 1. 

I  had  a  severe  fit  of  the  head-ache  to-day,  and 
kept  in-doors  on  that  account.  Several  friends  kindly 
called  to  see  us. 

^th  Day^  \st  of  Ninth  month. — The  rain  yesterday 
evening  laid  the  dust,  and  made  the  air  cooler.  Was 
employed  in  some  necessary  matters,  which  required 
my  attention. 

bth  Day^  2d. — In  looking  after  my  outward  con- 
cerns, found  my  mind  calmed  and  comforted,  in  a 
sense  of  the  goodness  and  mercy  of  the  Great  Pre- 
server and  Upholder  of  all  His  dependent  children, 
who  rely  upon  Him,  and  have  no  other  confidence — 
and  at  the  same  time  are  not  slothful  in  doing  what 
their  hands  find  to  do,  both  inwardly  and  outwardly ; 
for  we  cannot  expect  the  blessing  to  be  added  unless 
we  do  our  part. 

'jth  Day.,  3^. — A  wet  day,  which  kept  me  mostly 
within  doors,  where  I  was  employed  in  writing  and 
attending  to  some  friends  who  kindly  called. 


98  [9th  mo.  4th, 

1st  Day^  \th. — Attended  three  Meetings  to-day, 
to  mv  comfort.      The  weather  continues  dull. 

id  Day^  ^th. — Much  rain  to-day  and  last  night, 
which  confined  me  to  the  house  mostly. 

3^  Day^  6th. — Attended  Week-day  Meeting,  and 
had  an  opportunity  of  speaking  to  many  friends,  who 
kindly  welcomed  me  home. 

/\.th  Day^yth. — Went  out  to  see  several  friends 
at  their  own  houses ;  and  when  at  home  proceeded  in 
transcribing  the  notes  I  had  made  of  my  New  Eng- 
land Journey.  Mother  Elliott  came  up  to  stay  a  day 
or  two  with  us. 

^th  Day^  %th. — Cleared  up  fine,  but  warm.  Was 
at  High  Street  Meeting,  where  I  heard  divers  weighty 
communications. 

6th  Day.^  (^th. — A  dull  day,  tho'  without  much 
rain.  In  the  afternoon,  with  my  dear  wife,  took  a 
ride  a  few  miles,  and  found  it  pleasant,  as  there  was  no 
dust.  Called  at  Samuel  Fisher's  place  on  Schuylkill, 
and  drank  tea  with  his  sister  Hetty.  Then  returned 
home  about  dark. 

jth  Day.^  loth. — Was  at  home  most  of  the  day, 
and  not  uselessly  employed. 

1st  Day^  nth. — At  Meeting  thrice.  My  dear 
Bell  not  very  well.  Mother  Elliott  poorly ;  went  in 
the  evening  to  see  her. 

2d  Day^  12th. — Was  engaged  in  writing  to  Nan- 
tucket.    Afternoon,  attended  Overseer's  Meeting. 

T^d  Day^  I'^th. — At  Week-day  Meeting,  Joseph 
James  and  Mary  Hopkins,  (daughter  of  Samuel,)  were 
married.  John  Pemberton  appeared  in  testimony,  af- 
ter which  the  Preparative  Meeting  was  held. 


I79I-]  99 

/^th  Day^  i\th. — This  day  was  mostly  spent  in 
writing  letters  to  some  of  my  friends  in  New  England. 

^th  Day^  15^^. — Employed  in  doing  a  little  car- 
penter's work,  which  I  find  useful  as  an  exercise — 
conducing  to  circulate  the  blood,  and  keep  the  bodily 
machine  in  health. 

6th  Day^  i6th. — Did  something  in  the  painting 
way,  which  I  have  been  a  little  used  to  for  many  years. 

ph  Day^  I'jth. — Busy  at  home,  most  of  the  day, 
about  my  family  concerns. 

1st  Day^  iSth. — At  morning  Meeting  Peter  Yar- 
nall  had  large  and  acceptable  service,  being  favoured 
with  a  Gift  equal  to  most  in  our  Society,  altho'  in  the 
earlier  part  of  his  life  his  conduct  was  wide  from  the 
Principle;  but  through  Divine  condescension  and 
mercy,  I  trust,  his  present  and  future  devotedness 
will  be  accepted  as  an  atonement,  and  that  he  may 
continue  a  bright  ornament  to  our  Christian  profession. 

2d  Day^  igtb — Found  employment  at  home  agree- 
ably— as  I  seldom  want  for  something  to  be  busy  in, 
either  pleasant  or  profitable;  which  I  consider  a  fa- 
vour, as  it  tends  to  make  home  comfortable,  and,  with 
a  contented  and  resigned  mind,  to  be  my  happiest  place. 

3^  Day^  20th. — Monthly  Meeting,  which  con- 
cluded about  2,  there  not  being  so  much  business  as 
common. 

^th  Day^  2J st. — Captain  Needham  arrived,  and 
brought  me  an  account  from  Friends  to  the  Eastward; 
also,  certificates  for  T.  Scattergood  and  myself. 

^th  Day^  22d. — Rode  a  few  miles  with  my  wife, 
for  the  benefit  of  air  and  exercise.  In  the  evening 
some  rain  fell. 


100  \j)^^  mo.  23d, 

6th  Da)\  23^. — A  warm  day  for  the  season.  Was 
taken  up  about  trifles,  which,  perhaps,  may  be  said 
to  be  the  general  employment  of  mankind,  as  every- 
thing which  has  not  an  ultimate  tendency  to  make 
provision  for  the  immortal  part,  may  be  considered  as 
such  \  however,  as  we  have  bodies  as  well  as  souls, 
I  believe  it  is  allowable  to  make  comfortable  provision 
for  them,  as  a  secondary  concern. 

']th  Day^  id^th, — Friends  began  to  collect,  in  or- 
der to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting.  Several  from  New 
York  took  up  their  quarters  with  us. 

\st  Day^  2$th. — At  morning  Meeting  our  friend 
Robert  Nesbit,  from  New  England,  exercised  his  gift 
in  the  Ministry,  and  had  good  service.  Afternoon 
and  evening  were  also  comfortable  Meetings. 

id  Day^  16th, — The  businessof  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing opened  at  10,  and  was  resumed  at  3.  Considera- 
ble progress  was  made  at  these  two  sittings,  having 
our  friend  Nicholas  Wain  for  clerk,  who  is  an  able  hand. 

3^  Day^  2']th. — The  business  further  proceeded 
on.  Had  the  company  of  pretty  many  of  our  country 
Friends  at  our  house. 

^th  Day^  2Sth. — Sth  Day^  2C)th, — 6th  Day^  Z^th. — 
These  three  days  were  much  taken  up  on  some  ser- 
vices of  the  Meeting,  and  attending  on  Friends  at  our 
house. 

ph  Day^  1st  of  Tenth  month. — This  day  the 
Yearly  Meeting  concluded,  to  general  satisfaction, 
and  many  Friends  went  out  of  town. 

1st  Day^  id. — Had  a  heavy  fit  of  the  head-ache, 
which  confined  me  to  the  house  through  the  day,  not 
getting  to  either  of  the  sittings  for  worship. 


I79I-]  ^^^ 

id  Day^  3^. — The  New  York  Friends  our  lod- 
gers, Benjamin  Haviland,  his  daughter  Mary,  and 
Polly  Titus,  set  ofF  in  the  stage  for  that  place. — 
Bought  wood  for  our  winter  firing.  Several  friends 
to  see  us  in  the  afternoon. 

3^  Day^  ^th. — At  Meeting  Robert  Nesbit  ap- 
peared to  satisfaction;  also  some  others.  My  son 
Johnny  set  off  for  a  little  journey  into  the  country, 
for  his  health,  which  latterly  has  not  been  so  well  as 
we  could  wish. 

^th  Day^  ^th. — Finished  getting  my  winter's  wood 
in  to-day.  Walked  so  as  to  tire  myself,  but  feeling 
my  mind  peaceful,  it  was  enough. 

z^th  Day^  6th. — At  High  Street  Meeting,  Robert 
Nesbit  preached  a  close  searching  sermon  on  the  love 
of  money,  and  the  over-anxious  pursuit  of  worldly 
things.  Had  several  Friends  to  dine  with  us  to-day. 
The  circumstances  of  life,  how  changeable  and  un- 
certain ;  and  a  good  state,  or  a  favoured  state,  how 
easily  lost,  and  how  hard  to  be  regained. 

6th  Day^  ph. — Wrote  several  letters  to  friends 
at  Newport,  and  rode  out  with  my  wife  in  the  afte 
noon. 

'jth  Day.^  Sth. — Was  mostly  engaged  at  home. 
Samuel  Howell,  brushmaker,  deceased. 

1st  Day^  gth. — Attended  three  Meetings  to-day, 
to  my  satisfaction. 

2d  Day^  lOth. — Was   at  an  appointed  Meeting 

for  the  Young  People  of  the  City,  held  at  the  North 

Meeting  House,  at  the  request  of  Robert  Nesbit,  from 

Husack,  in  New  England,  who  had  a  full  opportunity 

for  the  relief  of  his  exercised  mind,  in  well-meant, 

10 


102  [loth  mo.  nth, 

honest  labour  for  their  profit.  Nicholas  Wain  and 
William  Savery  also  had  good  service. 

^d  Day^  nth. — Attended  our  Week-day  Meet- 
ing in  course,  which  was  small  in  number,  but  com- 
fortable. 

A^th  Day\  1 2th. — Was  busy  at  home  in  the  morn- 
ing.     Afternoon  visited  a  friend,  with  my  wife. 

^th  Day.^  ^2>^h. — Sister  Gray  set  off  on  a  visit  to 
Maryland,  in  company  with  Isaac  Howell  and  wife, 
and  Isaac  Elliott.  Afternoon,  visited  a  friend.  Ev- 
ening to  see  Mary  Smith,  who  daily  expects  her  hus- 
band. 

6th  Day^  \\th. — Busied  about  secular  concerns, 
which  if  kept  within  due  bounds,  (being  necessary,) 
are  not  hurtful ;  they  are  only  so  in  the  excess.  In 
the  afternoon,  arrived  in  town  our  beloved  Friend 
Samuel  Smith,  from  his  religious  visit  to  England  and 
Ireland,  to  the  joy  of  his  wife  and  friends.  George 
Dillwyn,  also,  with  his  wife,  came  in  the  same  vessel. 
Received  several  letters  from  friends  to  the  East- 
ward. 

']th  Day^  i$th. —  At  a  Special  Meeting  of  the 
Ministers,  Elders,  and  Overseers  of  the  3  Monthly 
Meetings  in  this  city,  by  request  of  our  Friend  Rob- 
ert Nesbit,  who  appeared  clothed  with  much  love  in 
what  he  had  to  communicate.  An  exercise  was  man- 
ifested generally  for  the  promotion  of  spiritual  health 
of  the  Society,  and  for  the  putting  away  of  such  things 
as  retard  us  in  our  progress  towards  the  Heavenly 
rest. 

1st  Day^  i6th. — At  Meeting  thrice,  and  I  hope, 
received  some  benefit.     S.   Smith,  G.  Dillwyn,  and 


I79I-]  ^^3 

Robert   Nesbit,  all  appeared    in  a  degree  of  Gospel 
Authority. 

2d  Day ^  i-jth. — At  another  Meeting  of  Minis- 
ters, Elders  and  Overseers,  where  much  Christian 
freedom  was  exercised  for  our  improvement  in  a  spir- 
itual relation. 

3^  Da}\,  iSth. — Robert  Nesbit  left  our  city  early 
this  morning,  by  whom  I  wrote  to  a  friend  Eastward. 
Had  a  sitting  at  his  lodgings  at  Catharine  GreenleaPs, 
which  I  hope  was  profitable  to  some. 

^th  Day^  i()th. — Got  in  two  cords  of  stove  wood, 
in  addition  to  my  winter  store,  so  that  I  hope  we  may 
now  look  Winter  in  the  face  'till  the  4th  Month  at 
least,  when  Sol  will  be  far  advanced  in  his  return  to 
our  Northern  Hemisphere,  and  consequently,  the 
face  of  nature  revived  and  invigorated  by  his  animat- 
ing rays. 

^th  Day^  20th. — Johnny  returned  from  a  two  weeks 
excursion  into  the  country,  for  the  benefit  of  air  and 
exercise,  which  is  so  justly  accounted  conducive  to 
health,  and  I  think  he  has  made  out  pretty  well  on  the 
whole,  considering  he  is  but  a  young  traveller. 

6th  Day^  21st. — Had  some  troublesome  work  on 
hand,  with  a  bad  tenant,  who  evidently  designed  to 
impose  upon  me  as  long  as  he  could,  and  tho'  I  did  not 
get  all  my  due,  yet  I  found  means  to  get  him  out  of 
my  house. 

jth  Day^  22d. — Wrote  a  letter  to  a  friend  at 
Nantucket,  and  filled  up  the  remainder  of  the  day 
with  other  employment. 

15/  Day^  23^. — Attended  three  Meetings,  at  which 
was  some  edifying  public  service.      How  great  are  our 


104  [loth  mo.  24th^ 

opportunities  for  religious  improvement  in  this  city; 
perhaps  beyond  any  other  place. 

2d  Day ^  2\th. — Walked  to  Schuylkill,  about  some 
stone  for  a  building  I  have  in  hand,  which,  however, 
wearied  me  a  good  deal ;  but  I  slept  well  the  night 
following. 

3^  Day^  2Sth. — Monthly  Meeting  day — which 
held  late,  and  was  somewhat  trying  to  some  of  us 
that  had  weak  frames. 

^th  Day^  26th. — Was  engaged  in  some  trouble- 
some necessary  business  of  a  temporal  nature,  in  which 
however,  I  preserved  my  own  peace,  tho'  I  had  to 
deal  with  a  spiteful  and  maHcious  spirit,  who  had  the 
will  but  not  the  power  to  do  me  an  injury,  except  in 
my  outward  interest,  which  I  did  not  much  regard. 
This  relates  to  a  tenant  of  the  name  of  Boggs. 

^th  Day^  2']th. — Intended  for  Meeting,  but  an 
unexpected  occurrence  prevented. 

6th  Day^  2^th. — Attended  a  committee  on  some 
Society  business. 

ph  Day^  2<^th. — Was  engaged  in  some  temporal 
concerns.  The  weather,  for  a  considerable  time  past, 
has  been  dry  and  dusty,  so  that  the  farmer  thinks  the 
winter-grain  suffers  ;  but  we  are  a  murmuring  genera- 
tion, and  seldom  satisfied  with  the  dispensations  meted 
out  to  us,  which,  nevertheless,  are  doubtless  in  un- 
erring wisdom. 

\st  Day^  ipth. — Attended  three  Meetings  to-day, 
to  good  satisfaction. 

2d  Day^  31J/. — Was  busy  about  some  repairs  at 
my  dwelling  and  the  tenement  adjoining. 


I79I.]  ^°5 

3^  Day^  J  St  of  Eleventh  month. — Attended  our 
Week-day  Meeting,  and  the  adjournment  of  our 
Monthly  Meeting  afterwards.  Afternoon,  visited  a 
friend,  with  my  wife. 

^th  Day^  id. — Spent  the  forenoon  chiefly  in  writ- 
ing. Afternoon,  visited  a  friend.  Evening,  attended 
a  committee  on  Meeting  business.  The  town  has, 
for  some  months,  at  times,  been  alarmed  by  fires — 
chiefly  stables,  and  there  is  reason  to  believe  they 
have  been  purposely  fired  by  evil  disposed  persons. 
Much  industry  has  been  used  to  discover  them,  but 
as  yet  without  effect.  Patrols  have  been  kept  up 
about  the  streets  at  night,  and  $i,ooo  offered  for 
apprehending  the  guilty  offenders. 

^th  Day.,  i^d.  —  At  Week-day  Meeting,  Jacob 
Lindley  had  the  principal  service  by  way  of  Minis- 
try. The  weather  altered  to-day  from  dry  and  dusty 
to  wet,  with  a  considerable  fall  of  snow  for  the  sea- 


son. 


^th  Day.,  \th. — A  fair  morning.  Settled  accounts 
with  brother  Joshua  respecting  my  dear  Aunt  Mary 
Armitt's  affairs.  Had  some  other  engagements  on 
hand,  which  kept  me  much  within-doors  to-day. 

']th  Day.,  sth. — Sundry  Friends  from  the  coun- 
try came  in  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting.  Mod- 
erate pleasant  weather. 

1st  Day.,  6th. — At  three  Meetings  as  usual,  which 
were  favoured.  My  sight  has  been  but  poor,  and  I 
have  been  obliged  to  wear  spectacles  about  four  years. 

id  Day.,  qth. — The  day  of  our  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing; the  business  finished  at  two  sittings.  The  ad- 
journment made  so  as   to   hold   our  next    Quarterly 


io6  [nth  mo.  8th, 

Meeting  at  the  new  or  North  Meeting  House — the 
Fourth  Street  House,  where  it  hath  long  been  holden, 
being  found,  for  some  years,  to  be  too  small  and  in- 
convenient. 

3^  Day^  %th. — Youth's  Meeting,  at  which  H. 
Longstreth  and  William  Savery  exercised  their  Min- 
isterial Gifts,  I  trust,  to  some  good  purpose ;  and, 
altho'  some  of  the  honest,  fervent  labourers  are  ready 
at  times  to  conclude  that  there  is  little  fruit  produced 
by  their  repeated  exercises,  yet  I  think  we  may  safely 
believe  their  religious  labours  have  a  secret  tendency 
to  keep  us  in  the  Holy  Way,  and  encourage  those 
who  have  not  yet  travelled  in  it  to  turn  their  feet 
thereinto  -,  and  also  tend  to  discourage  such  as  are 
habitually  vicious  from  going  the  lengths  which  the 
Enemy  of  Souls  would  prompt  them  to.  So  that,  on 
the  whole,  I  believe  a  living  Ministry  to  be  a  great 
blessing  to  the  Church  and  to  the  community  at  large, 
and  were  it  not  for  it,  the  land  would  become  even 
more  vile. 

\th  Day^  ()th. — Employed  mostly  about  home, 
and  on  some  Meeting  business.  This  I  account  my 
birth-day,  and  I  now  reckon  I  am  entering  my  fiftieth 
year.  O,  that  I  may  improve  it  to  the  best  of  pur- 
poses; that  I  may  not  be  behind-hand  when  I  am 
called  to  the  awful  bar,  where  every  action,  word  and 
thought  is  to  be  judged,  by  Him  to  whom  they  are 
naked  and  open. 

^th  Day^  lOth, — Was  engaged  in  rendering  some 
service  to  a  young  person  who,  bv  his  misconduct, 
has  brought  himself  into  much  exercise  and  trouble, 
so  that  I  did  not  go  to   Meeting  to-day.      Happy  for 


I79I-]  ^^7 

them  who  look  to  the  inward  Instructor,  the  safe  and 
sure  Guide  thro'  the  wilderness  of  this  world,  and  a 
favour  it  is,  when  we  see  that  we  have  missed  our 
way,  to  endeavour  to  get  back  again  as  fast  as  we  can, 
and  let  the  time  past  suffice  in  which  we  have  been 
doing  our  own  wills,  and  offering  violence  to  that  in- 
speaking  Word  and  Voice,  that  will  not  only  show  us 
the  right  way,  but  give  us  power  and  ability  to  walk 
therein. 

6th  Day^  i  ith. — My  dear  wife,  with  several  other 
Friends,  by  appointment  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting, 
attended  Haverford  Monthly  Meeting.  It  being  a 
fine,  pleasant  day,  they  returned  in  good  season  in  the 
evening.  The  report  was  that  the  visit  was  acceptable 
to  the  visited,  and  satisfactory  to  the  visitors.  N.  Wain 
and  Hannah  Cathrall  were  two  of  the  number. 

'jth  Day^  12th. — Was  engaged  about  some  writ- 
ing relative  to  my  dear  Aunt's  estate. 

1st  Day^  13/^. — Attended  3  Meetings,  as  usual. 
2d  Day^  \\th. — In  the  morning  was  employed  at 
home,  about  outward  concerns.  Afternoon,  attended 
a  general  Meeting  of  Ministers,  Elders,  and  Over- 
seers for  the  city.  In  the  evening,  was  at  a  Meeting 
of  the  Overseers  for  our  own  particular  Meeting. 

^dDay^  i^th. — At  Week-day  Meeting  in  course, 
after  which  the  Preparative  Meeting  was  held.  Af- 
ternoon, mostly  at  home,  Mother  Elliott  being  at  our 
house  for  a  few  days. 

^th  Day^  i6th. — Agreed  with  Nathan  A.  Smith 
to  build  several  tenements  for  me  on  Cresson's  Alley, 
having  a  piece  of  ground  there  which  I  think  may  be 
best  for  me  to  improve. 


io8  [nth  mo.  17th, 

^th  Day^  \']th. — At  High  Street  Meeting  House, 
Samuel  Coates  and  Amy  Horner  married.  Went  to 
see  a  friend  in  the  evening. 

iith  Day^  i%th. — -Filled  up  my  time  with  writing, 
reading,  and  necessary  care  of  my  family  and  outward 
concerns,  not  forgetting,  I  hope,  things  of  higher  im- 
portance ;  but  it's  no  small  attainment  to  keep  always 
right,  or  in  other  words,  in  the  true  resignation,  and 
get  the  selfish  part  enough  in  subjection. 

In  the  evening,  went  out  to  see  a  friend,  for  I 
find  it  is  not  best  to  live  alone,  and  that  much  true 
comfort  arises  from  affectionate  intercourse,  whether 
it  be  in  the  line  of  outward  relationship,  or  out  of  that 
circle,  so  that  it  be  on  the  bottom  of  true  love,  with- 
out sinister  ends,  and  in  that  lovely  sincerity  which  I 
have  sometimes  thought  stamps  or  seals  our  actions 
either  good  or  bad,  as  they  do  or  do  not  arise  from  this 
noble  spring  or  source. 

'jth  Day^  igth. — Trimmed  my  vines,  in  order  to 
lay  them  down,  to  protect  them  from  the  power  of 
the  winter's  frost,  which  often  checks  them  too  much, 
tho'  I  find  they  will  bear  a  moderate  degree  of  cold 
without  much  injury. 

Yet,  as  we  are  uncertain  how  the  winter  may 
prove,  I  choose  to  be,  as  the  saying  is,  of  the  sure  or 
safe  side,  especially  as  my  vines  are  young,  not  many 
of  them  above  two  years  old  the  coming  spring;  they 
bore  some  few  bunches  of  fruit  last  season.  Mother 
Elliott  went  home  this  evening. 

1st  Day^  10th. — Attended  Meetings  as  usual, 
which,  while  I  am  favoured  with  tolerable  health, 
I  find  to  be  an  indispensable  duty,  from  which  many 


I79I.]  109 

advantages  constantly  arise;  for,  attended  in  a  right 
manner,  and  the  mind  as  much  as  possible  gathered  to 
its  proper  center,  it  sweetens  our  spirits,  and  makes 
us  more  fit  for  the  common  duties  of  life ;  and  to- 
gether with  corresponding  conduct  in  our  outward 
concerns  amongst  men,  in  our  several  capacities — 
social,  moral,  and  religious — keeps  us,  in  a  good  de- 
gree, in  a  state  of  preparation  for  our  great  and  final 
change,  which  ought  ever  to  be  kept  in  view,  as  hu- 
man life  is  confessedly  altogether  uncertain  in  every 
stage. 

Indeed,  when  we  consider  our  present  state  of 
being  as  a  state  of  trial  and  warfare  with  our  own 
hearts,  lusts,  and  a  host  of  external  enemies  upon 
every  quarter,  it  is  my  solid  judgment,  (fixed  from 
long  experience,)  that  there  is  no  true  happiness  in- 
dependent of  this  state  of  holy  preparation  to  meet 
our  God ;  for  the  pleasures,  profits,  and  honours  of 
the  world,  most  assuredly,  will  be  proved  to  be  insuf- 
ficient to  this  great  end. 

Solomon  himself  confessed,  when  experience  had 
made  him  wise,  that  they  were  indeed  but  vanity  and 
vexation  of  spirit,  and  so  I  believe  has  every  son  of 
Adam  found  them  in  the  closing  awful  scene  which 
awaits  us  all. 

My  dear  children,  for  whom  I  principally  write, 
and  for  whom  I  am  most  affectionately  concerned,  as 
you,  I  trust,  have  in  some  good  measure  known  the 
Truth,  and  been  acquainted  with  its  holy  restraints, 
in  the  secret  of  your  own  breasts,  my  desire  is  that 
you  may  prize  it  above  all  earthly  things.  Let  it  ap- 
pear to  you  as  the  pearl  of  great  price  hid  in  the  field. 


no  [nth  mo.  20th, 

(mark  hid^)  in  the  field  of  your  hearts,  for  the  purchase 
of  which  the  rich  merchantman  sold  or  parted  with 
his  all. 

And  when  you  do  so,  you  need  never  to  fear 
but  that  all  things  necessary  and  really  profitable  will 
be  added,  and  that  neither  grace  nor  glory,  nor  any 
good  thing  will  be  withheld. 

O,  that  you  may  choose  this  richest  of  all  bless- 
ings as  your  portion  and  the  lot  of  your  inheritance, 
and  then  I  may  humbly  hope,  that  when  mine  and 
your  precious  mother's  places  on  earth  are  known  no 
more,  that  you  will  stand  in  our  gap,  and  be  as  stan- 
dard bearers  amongst  a  dissipated  generation. 

For  I  have  sometimes  indulged  a  secret,  humble 
hope,  that  of  you  it  may  be  said,  as  of  the  untamed 
colt  which  our  blessed  Saviour  sent  his  disciples  for, 
formerly,  and  on  which  he  made  his  triumphant  entry 
into  the  Holy  City,  or  that  which  was  so  called,  (Je- 
rusalem,) ^^the  Lord  hath  need  of  him ^^  or  you. 

For  I  believe,  to  each  of  you,  his  love  and  gra- 
cious compassion  is  eminently  extended,  and  he  would 
most  assuredly  gather  you  into  his  most  blessed  family. 
If  you  are  but  obedient  to  his  Divine  call,  and  devote 
the  prime  of  your  days  to  his  ever-blessed  service,  he 
will  take  away  your  dross,  and  tin,  and  reprobate  silver, 
and  establish  you  as  pillars  in  his  house,  (in  due  time,) 
and  your  ends  will  be  crowned  with  peace  and  joy 
unutterable. 

But  if,  unhappily,  my  dearest  children,  in  your 
blooming  years  and  spring-time  of  life,  you  turn  aside 
from  his  holy  commandment,  and  join  yourselves  to 
the  people  of  the  land,  and  buy  and  sell  their  mer- 


I79I.]  Ill 

chandize,  and  traffic  in  their  wares,  or  in  other  words, 
be  united  to  their  spirit  and  tempers,  and  follow  their 
customs  and  maxims,  then  believe  me,  when  I  say 
you  will  most  assuredly  make  to  yourselves  a  long 
wilderness  of  affliction,  which  you  mav  possibly  be  so 
entangled  in  as  never  to  be  able  to  get  out  of.  And 
if  you  should  fall  there,  as  that  murmuring  people  of 
old  did,  and  never  behold  the  good  land,  and  blessed 
port  and  haven  of  rest,  how  would  my  poor  head  weep 
(if  possible)  for  you  in  secret  places,  and  all  the  powers 
of  parental  affection  be  on  the  utmost  stretch  for  your 
deliverance  and  salvation  from  so  deplorable  a  state. 

But,  my  dearest  children,  I  hope,  and  permit  me 
to  hope  on  a  proper  ground,  better  things  of  you;  and 
such  things  as  accompany  sahation ;  and  that  He  who, 
I  most  humbly  hope,  hath  begun  the  good  work,  will, 
according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  His  Divine  and  ever 
blessed  will,  carry  it  on,  and  in  His  own  due  and  ap- 
pointed time,  perfect  the  same  to  His  own  Glory  and 
your  ever-enduring  peace  and  happiness. 

These  few  hints  have  arisen  in  my  mind  this 
evening,  without  the  least  premeditation,  and  wrote 
as  fast  as  my  hand  could  well  go  without  any  copy, 
and,  as  I  know  they  are  designed  for  your  everlasting 
good,  may  you  make  the  proper  use  of  them,  and  then 
my  end,  and  aim,  and  desire  on  your  behalf,  will  be 
answered  and  completed. 

During  the  Evening  Meeting  this  day  a  fire  broke 
out,  and  burnt  down  Cousin  Jeremiah  Cresson's  sta- 
ble, which  unsettled  the  Meeting.  Some  kept  their 
seats,  but  most  of  the  assembly  went  out — a  part  of 
whom  returned  again  before  the  Meeting  concluded. 


112  [i  ith  mo.  2ist, 

id  Day^  list. — This  morning  I  was  taken  with 
a  great  pain  in  the  small  of  my  back,  as  I  was  dress- 
In2;,  which  occasioned  me  to  keep  my  bed  three  days, 
part  of  which  time  I  could  scarcely  move,  tho'  sundry 
applications  and  medicines  were  administered,  and  I 
was  bled  In  my  arm. 

3^  Da)\,  22d. — ^th  Da)\  23^. — Was  \ery  much 
indisposed. 

z^th  Day^  2\th. — Was  favoured  to  feel  a  little 
better,  and  made  a  shift  to  get  out  of  bed  and  sit  by 
the  fire,  but  was  much  Incommoded  with  pains,  which 
I  judged  to  be  either  the  rheumatism  or  something  of 
the  gravel.  I  had  no  fever,  nor  a  sick  stomach,  yet 
could  scarcely  rise  out  of  a  chair,  or  change  my  pos- 
ture, without  great  uneasiness. 

6th  Day^  2^th. — "jth  Day^  26th. — Perceived  my- 
self to  mend  slowly,  so  that  with  some  difficulty  I 
walked  a  little  about  my  chamber,  and  had  some  ap- 
petite to  eat,  'tho  but  sparingly. 

1st  Day^  2']th. — Was  so  much  better  that  I  en- 
couraged mv  dear  wife  to  set  off  on  a  little  journey  to 
Robinson  and  Exeter  Monthly  Meetings,  which  a 
Committee  of  Men  and  Women  Friends  were,  by  our 
last  Quarterly  Meeting,  appointed  to  visit.  Came 
down  stairs  about  noon,  but  felt  myself  very  weak. 

2d  Day^  2%th, — Came  down  about  breakfast-time 
in  the  mornino-,  and  walked  a  little  wav  in  the  middle 
part  of  the  day,  but  I  thought  I  took  some  cold,  as  it 
proved  rainy  towards  evening,  which  will  make  it  un- 
pleasant for  my  wife  and  the  other  Friends. 

3^  Day^  2()th. — Attended  our  Week-day  Meet- 
ing, but  was  not  well  enough  to  stay  the  adjournment 


I79I.]  113 

of  the  Monthly  Meeting.  My  two  sons  assisted  me 
in  laying  down  our  grape  vines,  in  order  to  protect 
them  from  the  frost  in  the  extreme  part  of  the 
approaching  cold  season,  as  they  are  mostly  young, 
and  not  hardy  enough  to  bear  the  severity  of  the 
winter. 

^th  Day^  ^oth. — A  fine  day  for  the  season.  I 
think  'tis  likely  my  wife  and  company  are  at  Maiden 
Creek  Meeting  to-day.  Wrote  several  letters  to  some 
of  my  kind  friends  in  New  England,  which  I  finished 
in  the  evening,  in  order  to  go  by  Captain  Needham 
to  Salem. 

^th  Day^  ^^^  ^f  Twelfth  month. — This  proved  a 
stormy,  wet  day,  which  made  me  think  a  good  deal  of 
my  wife  and  the  other  Women  Friends  on  their  jour- 
ney in  Berks  County  among  the  rugged  hills,  as  she 
is  of  a  delicate  habit  and  frame,  and  not  much  abroad 
at  this  season  of  the  year.  Was  very  sick  with  the 
head-ache,  the  after  part  of  the  day. 

6th  Day^  id. — A  fine  morning  after  the  rain. — 
Captain  Needham  sailed  to-day.  I  had  an  account 
of  my  wife's  welfare  a  few  days  ago.  Went  to  see  a 
friend  in  the  evening. 

']th  Day.^  '^d. — Another  fine,  healthy  morning — 
tho'  sharp,  and  hard-bound  with  the  frost ;  the  roads 
must  be  very  rough.  About  noon  my  dear  wife  re- 
turned, having  borne  the  fatigue  of  the  journey  quite 
well.  In  the  evening,  walked  down  to  brother  John's, 
to  see  our  aged  mother. 

1st  Day.,  \th. — Sat  three  Meetings,  which  were 

highly  favoured  with    instrumental  labour.       In  the 

first,  R.  Jones  and  Samuel  Emlen ;  afternoon,  S.  E., 

11 


114  [i2th  mo.  5th, 

largely ;  evening,  Peter  Yarnall  with  great  authority, 
and  also  in  prayer. 

2d  Day^  ^th. — A  good  deal  of  snow  fell,  but  it 
did  not  lie  long. 

3^  Day^  6th. — At  Week-day  Meeting,  Griffith 
Edwards  and  Hannah  Zane  entered  into  marriage 
covenant.  William  Savery  was  concerned  in  testi- 
mony, with  usual  satisfaction  to  the  auditory. 

\th  Day^  'jth. — Was  a  cold  winter-like  day ;  some 
snow  on  the  ground,  though  fine  over-head.  Was 
employed  mostly  in  reading,  and  writing  in  my  col- 
lection. How  happy  a  contented  mind,  free  from 
ambitious  aims  and  worldly  pursuits,  satisfied  with 
moderate  things — fire,  meat,  and  clothes — clothes, 
meat,  and  fire  —  as  the  poet  says;  and  what  need 
of  more-,  or  indeed,  what  can  we  enjoy  more  ? 

The  abundance  of  wealth  most  certainly  brings 
its  cares  and  its  perplexities ;  the  pursuit  of  honour, 
fame,  or  worldly  glory,  abundant  mortification  and 
disappointment ;  pleasures  are  often  attended  with  dis- 
gust, disease,  and  sometimes  death  and  shame. 

Let  us,  then,  make  our  election  and  choice  of 
those  things  which  cloy  not,  neither  perish  with  using; 
those  durable  riches  that  will  not  fail  us  beyond  the 
narrow  bounds  of  time,  and  that  honour  which  cometh 
from  God  only. 

And  then  we  may,  and  often  can,  with  entire  free- 
dom, leave  the  acquirement  of  earthly  good  to  those 
who  are  so  unwise  as  to  barter  that  Heavenly  birth- 
right, to  which  they  are  entitled,  if  sought  with  proper 
earnestness,  and  suitable  patience  and  perseverance. 


I79I.]  115 

However,  I  speak  with  caution,  not  as  one  that 
hath  attained.  I  know  the  road  to  peace  and  happi- 
ness has  its  tribulations,  baptisms  and  sufferings;  nev- 
ertheless, as  there  is  no  other  way  to  real  glory  but 
to  endure  and  pass  through  them,  let  us  cast  our  care 
upon  Him  who  is  alone  able  to  succour  His  own  hum- 
ble dependent  children,  and  then  we  may,  with  hum- 
ble confidence,  trust  Him  for  the  final  event,  and  hope 
in  His  mercy  that  all  things  will  end  well. 

^th  Day^  Sth. — At  Week-day  Meeting  at  High 
Street.  Afternoon,  attended  the  burial  of  Beulah 
Paschall,  and  then  went  with  my  Annabella  to  see  a 
relation. 

6th  Day^  ()th. — This  day  we  hear  of  the  dreadful 
overthrow  of  the  Federal  army,  sent  by  Government 
into  the  Western  Territory,  with  the  avowed  intention 
of  destroying  the  poor  Indians,  and  their  towns,  and 
winter's  stock  of  provisions,  which,  to  my  apprehen- 
sion, carries  the  appearance  of  tyranny,  and  an  unjust 
invasion  of  native  rights. 

'Tis  said  600  or  700  poor  soldiers,  many  of  them 
officers  of  distinction,  were  slain,  and  the  remainder 
of  the  army,  about  400  or  500,  obliged  to  flee  for 
their  lives  to  the  nearest  fortification. 

This  being  the  second  instance  of  a  total  defeat 
within  two  years,  it  greatly  behooves  our  General 
Government  to  examine  deeply  whether  their  pro- 
ceedings as  to  this  deplorable  Indian  war  are  founded 
in  justice  and  equity.  And  if  they  are  not  so  founded, 
which  it  is  much  to  be  feared  is  really  the  case,  how 
wise  and  honourable  would  it  be  to  stay  the  sword, 
and  desist  from  arbitrary  force  in  compelling  the  na- 


Ii6  [i2th  mo.  lOth, 

tive  owners  of  the  soil  to  abandon  their  claim  to  the 
country  where  the  Beneficent  Author  and  Creator  of 
the  universe  hath  placed  and  stationed  them. 

O,  the  unnumbered  miseries  that  flow  from  the 
destructive  principles  of  war  to  the  human  race.  How 
much  better  would  it  have  been,  and  how  much  more 
consistent  with  our  religious  profession  as  Christians, 
and  our  political  claims  as  freemen  making  part  of  the 
great  family  of  mankind,  who  are  all  equally  entitled 
to  their  natural  rights. 

I  say,  how  much  better,  and  more  to  our  honour, 
would  it  have  been  for  us  to  have  appropriated  a  small 
part  of  the  treasure  which  has  been  so  wantonly  was- 
ted in  these  last  two  campaigns  into  the  Western 
country,  for  the  promotion  of  peace  with  the  natives, 
as  a  fourth  part,  (and  perhaps  a  great  deal  less,)  I  be- 
lieve, would  have  bought  as  much  of  their  lands  as  the 
white  people  could  have  settled  for  these  one  hundred 
years  to  come,  and  also  have  promoted  or  established 
a  peace  with  them  which  might  have  continued  for  a 
length  of  years. 

']th  Day^  loth. — Was  not  very  well  to-day. 

i^^  Day^  lith. — Being  somewhat  better,  attended 
two  Meetings  at  the  North  Meeting  House,  and  one 
in  the  evening  at  High  Street.  In  the  time  of  the 
sitting  of  the  latter,  an  alarm  of  fire  was  given,  but 
was  soon  over.  However,  it  might  have  proved  very 
serious  had  it  not  quickly  been  extinguished,  as  some 
great  villain  had  set  fire  to  a  wisp  of  hay  in  a  stable 
behind  Hains'  brew  house,  which,  had  it  communi- 
cated to  that  in  the  loft  above,  might  have  made  ter- 
rible destruction  in  that  close-built  part  of  the  city. 


I79I.]  117 

2d  Day^  I2th. — Snow  on  the  ground,  and  a  cold 
winter  day. 

id  Day ^  \y:h. — Attended  Week-day  Meeting  in 
course.     John  Forster  buried. 

\th  Day^  \\th. — The  air  keen  and  sharp,  yet 
wholesome  and  bracing  to  the  body.  I  think  much 
of  the  wretched  remnant  of  the  poor  defeated  army  to 
the  Westward.  We  learn,  by  late  accounts  from  the 
General,  Arthur  St.  Clair,  that  it  is  too  true,  that 
more  than  one-half  of  the  whole  army  were  cut  off. 

No  doubt,  among  those  whom  they  have  reserved 
as  captives,  many  will  be  put  to  most  cruel  torture, 
according  to  the  savage  Indian  customs. 

Many  vigorous  young  men  from  the  Eastern  and 
Middle  States  have  met  an  untimely  end  in  the  dread- 
ful conflict,  and  no  doubt,  parents,  wives  and  children 
are  in  deep  mourning  for  their  unhappv  fate. 

^th  Day^  i^th. — At  High  Street  Meeting,  tho'  I 
did  not  feel  well.  These  frequent  indispositions  I 
consider  as  intimations  from  a  Divine  hand  that  the 
end  of  all  things,  as  to  this  state  of  being  here  below, 
is  drawing  on,  if  not  near.  May  I  make  a  proper  use 
of  them,  and  be  concerned  more  and  more  to  set  my 
house  (or  heart)  in  order  for  the  awful  time  when  a 
final  separation  must  inevitably  take  place,  and  the 
dust  return  to  its  native  dust. 

O,  then,  to  have  a  well-grounded,  humble  hope 
of  acceptance  and  salvation  in  the  realms  of  everlast- 
ing light  and  love.  This,  indeed,  appears  often  to 
my  view  as  the  highest  and  most  important  of  all 
concerns,  compared  with  which  the  things  of  time 
and  mortality  are  as  trifling  shadows,  which  appear 


11* 


ii8  [i2th  mo.  1 6th, 

and  disappear,  and  are  forever  lost  and  gone.  Mayest 
thou,  then,  O  my  soul,  pursue  the  road  to  bliss  and 
true  happiness  with  increasing  vigilance  and  firm- 
ness. 

That  as  thy  days  shorten,  and  the  shadows  of  even- 
ing are  lengthening  over  thine  head,  thou  mayest  wit- 
ness an  increase  in  circumspection  of  life  and  conversa- 
tion, a  growth  in  true  godliness,  by  and  through  the  help 
and  assistance  of  the  Grace  or  Good  Spirit,  which  as 
a  Friend  at  hand,  and  a  principle  in  which  there  is 
indeed  power  from  God  afforded  to  resist  evil,  and 
cleave  to  the  good. 

That,  by  the  virtue  of  this  Divine  Principle,  the 
great  work  may  go  on,  and  in  due  time  be  perfected, 
to  the  praise  of  the  Divine  and  most  Holy  Name,  and 
the  everlasting  well-being  of  the  immortal  spirit. — 
Amen. 

6th  Day^  ibth, — Last  night  and  to-day  was  greatly 
afflicted  with  my  old  complaint.  Our  European 
Friends,  Mary  Ridgway  and  Jane  Watson,  came  to 
town  in  the  evening. 

']th  Day^  I'jth. — Fatigued  myself  with  some  ne- 
cessary employment.  Find  it  best  to  be  busy  in  mod- 
eration. The  most  satisfaction  arises  from  engage- 
ments which  are  beneficial  to  ourselves  or  others,  and 
tend  to  strengthen  the  good  and  discourage  the  evil 
propensity  in  us. 

Man  is  formed  for  activity,  and  his  senses  and 
outward  organs  of  the  body  adapted  to  various  uses 
and  ends  in  the  creation.  Let  them,  nevertheless,  be 
employed  in  subservience  to  the  all-important  object, 
or  at  least  innocently. 


I79I.]  119 

1st  Day^  \%th. — This  was  a  very  wet  day,  and 
walking  excessively  sloppy.  However,  attended  three 
Meetings,  as  long  has  been  my  custom  on  this  day  of 
the  week,  when  at  home  and  well.  They  were  com- 
fortable, and  I  hope,  in  some  degree,  profitable.  We 
have  need  dally  of  spiritual  as  well  as  outward  food 
for  our  bodies'  sustenance  and  health. 

John  Parrish,  Thomas  Scattergood,  Sarah  Harri- 
son, and  Mary  Ridgway  appeared.  Peter  Marriott 
and  Mary  Elmslie  interred.  A  stable  or  store-house 
in  Third  Street  burnt  down.  Supposed  to  have  been 
set  on  fire  by  some  wicked  incendiaries,  the  like 
infamous  practice  having  been  continued  for  some 
months   back. 

id  Day^  ic^th. — This  day  a  little  boy  who  lived 
with  Charles  Wharton,  14  or  15  years  old,  was  com- 
mitted to  prison,  on  suspicion  of  having  been  one  at 
least,  (if  not  a  principal,)  in  setting  fire  to  divers  sta- 
bles and  out-buildings  which  have  been  burnt  of  late 
weeks.  'Tis  said,  indeed,  that  he  has  confessed  the 
fact,  which,  if  really  true,  is  an  instance  how  powerful 
the  grand  Seducer  and  Enemy  of  mankind  is,  even  in 
early  life,  to  draw  the  simple  and  unguarded  into  ac- 
tion and  conduct  destructive  of  every  prospect  of  hap- 
piness, both  outwardly  and  inwardly. 

But  such,  alas,  in  too  many  instances,  is  the  de- 
pravity of  human  nature,  and  what  more  can  the  vir- 
tuous mind  do,  in  most  instances,  but  lament  without 
the  power  of  redressing  it. 

Went  with  my  wife  in  the  evening  to  visit  our 
European  Friends,  who  make  their  homes  at  John 
Pemberton's. 


120  [i2th  mo.  20th, 

3^  Day^  20th. — Week-day  Meeting,  Jane  Wat- 
son appeared  in  testimony.  Cousin  Samuel  Emlen 
laid  before  the  Meeting  his  religious  concern  once 
more  to  visit  the  brethren  in  some  parts  of  Europe. 
If  he  goes,  it  will,  I  think,  be  the  sixth  time  he  hath 
crossed  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

/if.th  Day^  list. — Found  myself  rather  indisposed 
the  fore-part  of  the  day.  Afternoon,  finding  myself 
better,  went  out  to  see  a  friend. 

Sth  Day^  22d, — It  proved  very  sharp  to-day,  es- 
pecially towards  night.  Well  for  those  who  have 
bread  in  their  own  houses,  comparatively  speaking. 
At  brother  Joshua's  in  the  evening. 

^th  Day^  i-T^d. — Read,  wrote,  and  walked  for  my 
health,  to  which  I  think  walking  is  particularly  bene- 
ficial. Paid  a  visit  to  Cousin  Thomas  Scattergood's 
family,  in  company  with  my  wife. 

•^th  Day^  2^th.  —  Seasonable  for  what  is  called 
Christmas  Eve,  being  clear  and  cold. 

1st  Day^  2Sth. — This  being  accounted  the  anni- 
versary of  our  Blessed  Saviour's  birth,  was  a  very  fine 
pleasant  day,  and  the  streets  very  lively  with  people 
of  various  denominations  resorting  to  their  different 
places  of  Worship.  Was  at  our  own  Meeting,  as 
usual,  and  hope  I  received  some  benefit. 

id  Day^  26th. — The  weather  continuing  fine,  I 
walked  a  good  deal,  about  my  private  affairs,  having 
in  contemplation  the  building  of  some  tenements  on  a 
vacant  piece  of  ground  I  have  yet  remaining. 

2d  Day^  I'jth. — At  our  Monthly  Meeting,  where 
we  had  the  company  of  our  European  Friends,  after 
which  they  dined  with  us,  and  in  the  evening  several 


I79I.]  121 

others  of  our  valued  friends  came  in,  and  added  to  our 
satisfaction. 

Our  good  Women  had,  both  of  them,  something 
to  communicate  by  way  of  exhortation,  all  of  which 
was  in  the  encouraging  line,  particularly  to  my  dear 
wife  and  Johnny. 

^th  Day^  l^th. — The  fine  weather  holds  yet. 
In  the  evening  went  out  to  see  a  friend. 

^th  Day^  2C)th. — At  High  Street  Meeting,  Hugh 
Judge,  from  Wilmington,  and  several  other  Friends 
appeared  in  testimony. 

To-day  I  went  to  see  a  fine  young  African  lion, 
which  was  an  unusual  sight  here,  (tho'  I  have,  many 
years  ago,  seen  a  lioness).  He  was  very  tame,  and 
appeared  to  know  his  keeper. 

He  was  of  a  light  dun  colour,  and  about  3  feet 
high,  to  the  top  of  his  shoulders;  he  was  not,  they 
said,  near  to  his  growth,  having  but  little  mane ;  his 
fore-feet  and  claws  were  exceedingly  strong,  and  he 
had  a  very  lively,  majestic  presence. 

Great  are  the  works  of  the  Almighty  Creator — 
which  every  part  of  His  animate  (as  well  as  inani- 
mate) Creation  loudly  proclaim  to  the  thoughful,  sen- 
sible mind. 

From  a  deep  conviction  of  our  weakness  and  im- 
potence, and  His  inconceivable  power  and  wisdom, 
the  humble  soul  is  often  led  to  reverence  and  adore 
His  infinite  perfections,  at  least  so  far  as  they  are  man- 
ifested to  our  finite  comprehension. 

In  the  evening  walked  out  to  see  a  friend. 

6th  Day^  ^^th. — Not  much  change  in  the  weather. 
One  of  our  European  Friends'  fine  wagon  horses  got 


122  [i2th  mo.  31st, 

into  a  hole  in  the  stable  where  they  were  kept,  and 
kicked  and  bruised  himself  to  death.  This  must  oc- 
casion them  some  concern  and  disappointment,  as  he 
had  been  a  gentle,  useful  creature  to  them  for  many 
months  past ;  and  Jane  Watson  drove  him  mostly,  or 
altogether,  herself. 

']th  Day^  31-^^. — The  year  ends  with  a  fine,  clear 
day,  cold  and  seasonable. 

I  have  now  completed  one  year  of  my  Diary,  and 
I  am  not  discouraged  as  yet  from  continuing  it  a  little 
longer,  if  life  and  health  should  be  vouchsafed,  tho'  I 
find  it  requires  some  care  and  attention,  as  well  as 
labour  in  writing. 

However,  if  my  dear  children,  on  looking  over 
it  hereafter,  when  I  am  gone,  should  pick  out  of  it 
any  little  hints  or  observations  that  may  have  a  ten- 
dency to  encourage  them  in  a  virtuous  course,  my 
end  and  intention  will  be  answered. 

For,  I  often  feel  the  force  of  parental  aff'ection 
towards  them,  attended  with  anxious  solicitude  for 
their  preservation  from  the  evils  which  abound  in  this 
world,  and  may  say,  from  long  experience,  that  we 
are  unable  to  preserve  ourselves^  and  are  wholly  de- 
pendent on  the  bounty  and  mercy  of  our  adorable 
Creator. 

Let  us,  then,  unitedly  look  up  unto  Him  for 
counsel  and  direction  in  our  movements  and  steppings 
along;  acknowledge  Him  in  the  whole  tenor  of  our 
conduct  and  deportment  amongst  men. 

In  a  word,  make  His  Divine  and  Holv  Law  the 
rule  of  our  lives.  We  shall  then  know  an  improve- 
ment in  grace,  and  the  gifts  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 


I79I.]  123 

Let  us  strive  to  adorn  our  Christian  profession 
by  our  lives,  and  w^itness,  through  the  Lord's  favour, 
true  happiness  in  death,  when  it  shall  please  Him  to 
send  the  undeniable  messenger  to  summon  us  from 
the  troubles  of  time  to  the  joys  of  eternity. 

END    OF    I  79  I  . 


The  First  Day  of  the  New  Year, 

1792. 


Let  me  Prefer  this  Humble  Prayer: 

O,  Thou  Great  Preserver  of  Men,  whose  mercy 
and  goodness  have  thus  far  protected  me  through  life; 
Thou  hast  been  a  Parent  in  the  room  of  those  Thou 
wast  pleased  to  remove  from  me  in  the  morning  of  my 
days ;  defending  me  from  the  temptations  of  my  soul's 
enemies;  and  continuing  a  living  hunger  and  thirst 
after  the  Bread  and  Water  of  Life ;  be  pleased  yet, 
in  Thy  great  mercy,  to  be  near  to  me,  and  conduct 
me  through  the  remainder  of  my  time  in  this  world  in 
Thy  holy  fear ;  that  so,  when  it  may  please  Thee  to 
put  a  period  to  my  days,  I  may  be  of  the  number  of 
Thy  ransomed  ones,  who  through  the  blessed  Atone- 
ment made  by  our  Holy  Redeemer,  may  be  cleansed 
from  all  unrighteousness,  and  made  meet  for  Thy  pure 
and  holy  Kingdom. 


124  [ist  mo.  1st, 

Gracious  Father,  as  Thou  hast  been  with  me, 
so  look  down  upon  my  endeared  help-meet  and  tender 
offspring;  make  them  more  and  more  acquainted  with 
Thy  Holy  Truth,  and  preserve  them  from  the  evils 
of  the  world;  that  so  when  our  day's  work  is  finished, 
we  may  unite  in  Hallelujahs  to  Thy  Great  Name. 


1st  Day^  1st  of  First  month. — The  year  comes  in 
with  rain,  the  morning  being  very  wet  and  cold.  At- 
tended three  Meetings,  to  a  degree  of  comfort  and 
satisfaction. 

2d  Day^  id. — Had  the  company  of  several  friends 
from  the  country,  who  spent  great  part  of  the  day  with 
us.  Also,  our  dear  aged  Mother  Elliott,  whose  eye- 
sight seems  nearly  gone.  She  expects  to  spend  a  few 
days  with  us. 

i^d  Day^  i^d. — ^At  our  own  Week-day  Meeting, 
after  which  the  adjournment  of  our  Monthly  Meeting 
was  held.      Weather  dull  and  very  damp. 

\th  Day^  \th, — Cleared  away  and  was  fine,  so 
that  the  shipping  passed  up  and  down  the  Delaware. 

<^th  Day^^th. — At  Week-day  Meeting,  High  St. 
Our  Friend  M.  Ridgway  was  remarkably  close  in  her 
testimony,  especially  to  those  of  the  foremost  rank. 
No  doubt  there  is  too  much  unsoundness  amongst  the 
members  of  our  Religious  Community  in  this  city, 
which  requires  so  much  exercising  labour  to  the  hon- 
est, devoted  servants. 

The  truth  certainly  is,  that  many  of  us  of  the 
present  generation  are  Quakers  by  education.  We 
have  been  born  so,  or  at  least  of  parents  of  that  name, 
and  brought  up  as  such,  but  it  may  too  justly  be  feared 


1792.]   '  125 

that  many  have  never  known  the  sanctifying  opera- 
tions of  the  Divine  Word,  to  divide  the  precious  from 
the  vile,  or  the  natural  fleshly  part  from  that  spiritual 
part,  in  and  by  which  alone  the  Divine  Will  can  be 
done  and  performed  by  us  poor  weak  creatures. 

Hence  many  are  (and  long  continue)  in  a  dwarf- 
ish, unfeeling,  and  almost  senseless  state,  as  to  the 
real  Life  of  Religion;  and  so  their  tender  offspring, 
educated  in  the  same  loose  and  indifferent  way,  are 
often  but  nominal  professors. 

Another  main  hindrance  to  a  religious  progress 
is  the  over-eager  pursuit  of  riches  and  worldly  hon- 
our, which  too  often  choke  the  good  seed  and  render 
it  unfruitful. 

May  we  all  profit  by  the  repeated  calls  of  a  mer- 
ciful and  compassionate  Father,  who  most  certainly 
wills  our  present  and  everlasting  happiness,  is  my  sin- 
cere desire  for  myself  and  others. 

dth  Day^  bth. — Wrote  considerably  in  my  col- 
lection. 

'jth  Day^  'jth. — Snow,  and  very  cold  withal. 

jst  Day^  Sth, — Attended  three  Meetings,  and  I 
hope  not  altogether  in  vain. 

2d  Day^  o^th, — Rode  a  few  miles  over  Schuvlkill 
about  some  Meeting  business.  Found  the  road  very 
rough,  and  the  air  excedingly  sharp. 

T^d  Day^  loth. — Attended  Week-day  Meeting, 
which  was  silent.  Called  to  see  a  friend  in  the  after- 
noon. Wrote  in  my  collection,  after-part  of  the  day, 
and  read  the  Holy  Scripture — which,  I  often  find, 
sweetens  the  mind,  and  is  a  help  to  keeping  it  in  a 
peaceful,  reverent  frame,  beyond  all  other  books. 

12 


126  [ist  rho.  nth, 

Catharine  Greenleaf  taken  suddenly  with  some- 
thing like  a  paralytic  or  apopletic  stroke,  which  much 
surprised  her  near  connections.  Mother  Elliott  went 
home  to  brother  John's  to-day. 

^th  Day^  nth. — This  morning  the  Delaware 
was  frozen  over  pretty  strong,  so  that  the  young 
people  ventured  on  it  in  considerable  numbers.  The 
sharpness  of  the  air  kept  me  and  my  good  wife 
mostly  in-doors  —  finding  a  warm  house  and  fire- 
side the  most  comfortable  place.  May  we  be  suffi- 
ciently thankful  for  the  mercies  daily  received. 

^th  Day^  iith. — Attended  High  Street  Meeting, 
where  but  little  was  said  vocally.  Nancy  Russel  and 
several  others  dined,  and  spent  the  afternoon  with  us. 
In  the  evening  it  became  what  is  called  intensely  cold, 
with  snow  7  or  8  inches  deep.  Wind  easterly ;  con- 
sequently dangerous  for  vessels  on  the  coast,  whom 
I  frequently  think  of  at  such  times. 

6th  Day.,  ^2>^h. — Suitable  weather  for  this  season. 
The  grain  being  protected  from  the  severity  of  the 
frost,  by  the  covering  of  snow,  is  a  favourable  cir- 
cumstance. 

Very  lively  about  the  streets  with  the  sleighs. 
The  bells,  which  by  a  late  ordinance  the  horses  are 
compelled  to  wear — or  at  least  their  owners  to  put  on 
them — make  it  now  much  safer  for  foot  passengers 
than  formerly. 

'jth  Day.,  \\th. — Spent  the  day  mostly  at  home, 
where  I  can  always  find  agreeable  employment;  but, 
lest  it  should  become  burdensome,  I  vary  it — which 
I  find  to  be  not  only  agreeable  but  useful.  Sometimes 
I  write,  either  copying  or  inditing;   sometimes  read 


1792.]  127 

the  Wx''itings  of  others,  of  which  there  is  indeed  great 
store — a  great  deal,  however,  is  unprofitable,  if  not 
hurtful. 

Sometimes  I  split  wood,  or  clear  the  snow  out  of 
my  yard,  or  at  least  throw  it  on  the  border.  Some- 
times I  walk  at  the  back  of  the  town,  or  in  the  best 
part  of  the  streets,  when  the  weather  is  not  inviting  to 
go  further. 

Sometimes  I  call  to  see  my  friends,  and  make  a 
point  of  attending  our  own,  and  sometimes  go  to  other 
Meetings.      Thus  I  am  greatly  favoured. 

I  should  have  mentioned,  that  in  the  Summer 
season  I  sometimes  do  a  little  with  my  carpenter's 
tools,  or  drive  a  nail  here  and  there.  I  have  also  a 
good  deal  of  work  to  train,  and  tend,  and  dress  my 
vines  and  flower  pots,  and  my  tubs  with  orange 
trees. 

Add  to  all  this,  I  am  sometimes  engaged  about 
little  services  for  the  Society  ;  and  my  small  estate  is 
divided  among  a  great  many  hands,  so  that  I  have 
something  to  do  to  attend  to  them  all  in  season. 

Some  Wise  Men  may  think  these  remarks  rather 
trifling,  yet  perhaps  they  may  hereafter  have  their 
use  ;  if  so,  it's  not  very  material  what  people  say — if 
we  do  nothing  that's  evil  or  reproachful. 

1st  Day^  i^th. — At  Meeting  thrice.  Afternoon 
to  see  a  friend.      Weather  clear  and  cold. 

2d  Day^  i6ih. — A  fine,  wholesome  morning; — 
such  weather,  I  believe,  conduces  to  the  health  of  the 
inhabitants,  as  we  hear  of  but  few  indisposed  within 
the  circle  of  our  acquaintance,  it  being  a  time  of  pretty 
general  health. 


128  [ist  mo.  17th, 

Yet,  as  the  inhabitants  are  numerous,  most  days 
some  drop  ofF.  Owen  Jones'  sister  Martha  buried  to- 
day,'being  an  antient  Friend. 

2^d  Day^  \']th. — Last  night  and  this  morning  had 
a  distressing  fit  of  the  headache,  which  continued  'till 
evening,  and  deprived  me  of  appetite  and  outward  com- . 
fort.  I  have  this  consolation,  that  I  am  of  the  mind 
it  may  be  of  use  in  preventing  some  other  disorder 
from  being  introduced  into  my  weak  frame.  Several 
friends  called  in,  as  I  was  not  at  Meeting,  as  common. 
In  the  evening  I  grew  better. 

\th  Day^  iSth. — This  was  a  dull  morning,  and 
proved  a  snowy  day.  The  snow  continued  'till  it 
became  deep,  attended  with  severe  cold  wind. 

^th  Day^  19th. — A  fine,  clear  morning,  tho'  ex- 
cessively sharp  ;  the  wind  high  and  blustering,  from 
the  north-west. 

Sleighing  is  now  perfectly  good,  for  those  who 
are  fond  of  it.  For  my  part,  I  had  rather  be  quiet, 
and  excused  from  such  jumbling  exercise  or  diversion. 
However,  for  those  who  travel  on  real  business,  or  to 
supply  the  calls  of  necessary  business,  I  think  it  an 
eligible  way  of  travelling. 

Attended  High  Street  Meeting,  and  in  the  even- 
ing went  to  see  a  friend.  Felt  rather  better  than 
common  to-day,  as  to  health  and  spirits. 

bth  Day^  20th. — Attended  a  committee.  Wrote 
in  my  collection,  and  read  occasionally  ;  so  the  time 
passed  peacefully,  and  perhaps  as  much  to  our  satis- 
faction, as  can  reasonably  be  expected  in  this  imper- 
fect state. 

'jth  Day^  21st. — Employed  much  as  yesterday. 


1792.]  129 

1st  Day,  22^. — An  addition  to  the  snow  on  the 
ground  by  a  considerable  fall  in  the  night — so  that  it 
was  with  some  difficulty  we  got  to  Meeting,  which 
was  smaller  than  usual  to-day.  The  air  is  now  ex- 
cessively keen. 

Sarah  Mifflin,  (widow  of  Jonathan  Mifflin,)  an 
antient  Friend,  of  four-score,  deceased. 

So  it  is,  that  sooner  or  later,  the  time  of  our  pil- 
grimage here  is  finished,  and  we  cease,  as  to  bodily 
presence.  Nevertheless,  if  through  infinite  mercy, 
we  are  preserved  by  the  Divine  Power  in  the  integ- 
rity and  simplicity,  we  shall  be  of  the  accepted. 

2d  Day,  2'^d. — The  weather  continues  cold,  but 
seasonable.  Several  sudden  deaths  about  this  time. 
One  very  remarkable,  of  a  neighbour  of  the  name  of 
Thomas  Myers,  about  28  years  of  age,  who  just  be- 
fore, in  apparent  health,  with  his  child  on  his  knee, 
said  to  his  wife  he  felt  poorly,  desiring  her  to  take  the 
baby,  then  falling  to  the  floor,  'tis  said,  expired  in  less 
than  ten  minutes.      Such  a  vapour  is  life. 

3^  Day,  2^th. — Monthly  Meeting  day.  Also, 
an  adjournment  in  the  afternoon,  which  held  late  in 
the  evening. 

^.th  Day,  2Sth. — ^th  Day,  26th. — 6th  Day,  2']th, 
— The  weather  moderated,  tho'  the  river  continues 
strongly  bound  in  icy  chains,  and  carriages  and  sleds 
with  wood  are  hourly  passing,  so  that  we  may  be 
said  to  have  a  natural  bridge  for  a  little  season. 

Joseph  Saunders  deceased;  also,  Dr.  Smith  sud- 
denly; likewise  Dubree's  black  man,  Ishmael,  an 
honest  creature,  whom  I  have  known  many  years. 


1- 


o* 


loo  [ist  mo.  28th, 

']th  Day^  iSth. — Found  engagements  of  various 
sorts  at  home,  and  the  old  saying  frequently  verified, 
that  every  day  brings  its  work — and  indeed  so  it  does 
to  those  who  have  families. 

15^  Day^  igth. — Attended  three  Meetings,  tho' 
through  some  difficulty  on  account  of  the  weather. 

2d  Day^  ipth.  —  3^  Day^  -i^ist.  —  The  poor  boy 
before  mentioned,  named  William  Dillon,  was  ar- 
raigned and  tried  at  the  Supreme  Court,  for  setting 
fire,  wilfully  and  designedly,  to  several  buildings. 

He  had  confessed  his  guilt  to  several  before  his 
trial,  but,  as  he  retracted,  the  jury  did  not  see  fit  to 
convict  him  upon  that  ground  alone. 

There  not  being  sufficient  evidence  beside,  he 
was  acquitted  of  the  crime  of  arson,  which  would 
have  touched  his  life,  and  found  guilty  upon  another 
indictment  of  perjury,  he  was  sentenced  to  several 
years  hard  labour. 

£i^th  Day^  \st  of  Second  month. — Had  the  headache 
to-day,  which  generallv  disqualifies  me  for  any  use- 
ful exertion. 

^th  Day.,  id. — At  High  Street  Meeting,  where 
we  were  invited  to  the  burial  of  our  friend  John  Head. 
He  was  near  70,  and  by  a  life  of  care  and  frugality, 
and  a  blessing  upon  his  endeavours,  had  gathered  an 
abundance  of  what  is  called  wealth,  and  I  hope,  with 
an  unblemished  character. 

I  have  often  thought  that  great  earthly  riches  are 
no  real  advantage  to  our  posterity  ;  for  they  oftentimes 
elevate  the  minds  of  the  young  and  inexperienced, 
and  divert  or  discourage  the  work  of  true  religion 
upon  the  mind. 


1792.]  131 

Keeping  it  aloof  from  that  deep  and  weighty 
sense  of  the  importance  of  our  being  in  this  proba- 
tionary state,  and  the  necessity  of  placing  our  affec- 
tions on  things  above,  in  order  to  be  fitted  and  pre- 
pared for  a  rest  in  the  Day  of  Trouble,  when  our  pil- 
grimage through  time  and  the  trials  of  mortality  are 
at  an  end. 

bth  Day^  3^. — Walked  to  the  stone  quarry  at  the 
upper  ferry,  about  some  stone  for  my  intended  build- 
ing. I  find  it  useful  and  conducive  to  health,  now  and 
then  to  take  a  little  exercise  this  way,  but  yet  it  may 
be  overdone ;  that  is  exercise  beyond  the  bodily  pow- 
ers, which  of  course  destroys  the  benefit  expected  or 
desired. 

']th  Day^  \th. — Morning  dull,  but  cleared  away, 
and  proved  moderate  towards  evening.  I  think  the 
time  in  Winter  seems  to  pass  swifter  than  in  Summer, 
and  perhaps  various  reasons  may  be  assigned  why  it 
is  so. 

I  have  made  another  remark  or  observation  some- 
times, that  in  advanced  life  the  years  appear  to  roll 
round  quicker  than  in  youth.  This  also,  may,  I  think, 
be  easily  accounted  for. 

I  am  sensible  variety  of  circumstances  have  great 
effect,  according  to  our  situations  and  our  advantages 
as  to  our  stations  in  the  world,  so  that  we  have  dif- 
ferent prospects  and  sentiments  at  different  periods  of 
our  lives. 

But,  be  these  what  they  may,  resignation  to  the 
Divine  Will  is  a  most  happy,  tho'  I  well  know,  a  dif- 
ficult attainment.  This  will,  in  a  good  measure,  re- 
concile us  to  our  allotments,  calm  the  mind  in  afilic- 


I  02  [2d  mo.  5th, 

tion,  and  preserve  it  from  too  great  elevation  in  pros- 
perity, knowing  everything  mutable  is  unstable. 

Let  us  then,  dear  children,  labour  after  this  great 
and  necessary  virtue ;  and  the  nearer  we  attain  to  it, 
the  more  we  shall  experience  its  excellency  as  an  an- 
tidote against  the  evils  of  human  life,  or  what  may 
appear  to  us  as  such. 

1  believe  we  are  often  mistaken  in  our  appre- 
hensions in  that  respect,  and  that  blessings  are  some- 
times dispensed  to  us  in  disguise;  for  the  dispensations 
of  Unerring  Wisdom  are  unsearchable,  yet  always  in 
mercy  and  love  to  those  who  truly  fear  Him,  and  who 
are,  in  uprightness  and  sincerity,  desirous  to  serve  Him 
with  all  the  strength  and  ability  afforded. 

1st  Day^  ^th. — At  Meeting  three  times,  as  usual. 
How  much  owest  thou  unto  thy  Lord,  was  the  lan- 
guage of  my  heart,  for  the  continuation  of  unmerited 
blessings,  both  outward  and  inward: — health  to  myself 
and  my  family,  a  sufficiency  of  temporal  things,  peace 
and  plenty  on  every  hand.  May  my  heart  be  grate- 
ful and  thankful,  ever  remembering  that  all  is  derived 
from  Him  who  is  the  source  of  bounty  and  perfec- 
tion. 

2d  Day^  6th. — Was  at  our  Quarterly  xMeeting, 
which  went  through  their  business  at  two  sittings. 
Our  North  Meeting  House  accommodated  us  pretty 
well,  this  being  the  first  Quarterly  Meeting  held  there. 
Samuel  Emlenand  Sarah  Harrison's  religious  concerns 
for  England  were  united  with,  and  sanctioned  by  en- 
dorsements on  their  certificates  severally. 

3^/  Day^  jth. — Was  Youth's  Meeting  in  course, 
but  I  did  not  attend  it,  my  brother-in-law  Isaac  Gray 


being  ill,  and  judged  to  be  near  his  end  in  this  world. 
Towards  evening  it  set  in  for  a  heavy  snow  storm. 

^th  Day^  Stb. — Snow  eight  or  more  inches  deep 
on  a  level,  and  tho'  the  weather  appeared  so  very  win- 
ter-like, our  valued  Friends,  M.  Ridgway  and  Jane 
Watson,  left  the  city  with  a  view  to  visit  some  Meet- 
ings in  Chester  County  and  Delaware  State.  I.  G. 
grows  weaker.  My  wife  stays  with  her  sister  alto- 
gether, in  this  her  time  of  trial. 

^th  Day^  ()th. — Another  fall  of  snow  in  the  night. 
I  was  at  High  Street  Meeting,  which  was  favoured 
with  some  instructive  ministry  through  our  Friend 
George  Dillwyn. 

The  river  is  so  firm  that  loaded  carriages  pass 
with  confidence.  Wood,  ^4.00  to  ^6.00  a  cord,  and 
plenty  from  both  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania  sides. 

6th  Day^  loth. — Real  winter,  in  its  proper  season. 

'jth  Day^  iith. — Brother  Isaac  takes  little  or  no 
sustenance,  or  notice  of  any  person  or  thing  that  passes 
— lying  in  one  position  mostly.  But  we  hope  he  is 
favoured  with  his  senses  in  these  awful  moments,  be- 
ing very  still  and  quiet. 

1st  Day^  Mth. — Between  12  and  i  last  night  my 
brother-in-law,  Isaac  Gray,  departed  this  life.  He  was 
favoured  with  an  easy  passage,  to  outward  appearance, 
without  that  agony  which  often  attends  these  mortal 
tabernacles.  • 

The  greater  part  of  his  life  he  was  well  respec- 
ted, and  was  considered  as  a  man  of  parts  and  learn- 
ing, having  served  in  the  Assembly  several  years.  He 
was  upwards  of  20  years  in  a  married   state  ;   he  had 


1^4  [2d  mo.  13th, 

one  daughter,  who  lived  but  a  few  minutes.      He  was 
aged  near  44  years. 

id  Day ^  i^th. — More  snow  fell. 

3^  Day^  i^th. — Preparative  Meeting,  but  did  not 
attend  it,  on  account  of  my  brother-in-law's  de- 
cease. 

^th  Day^  15//7. — This  afternoon  my  brother-in- 
law  Isaac  Gray  was  interred  in  the  north-west  corner 
of  Friends'  burial  ground.  The  funeral  was  respect- 
fully attended  by  many  relations  and  former  acquain- 
tance. It  was  a  cold  day,  and  much  snow  on  the 
ground. 

^th  Day^  i6th. — Attended  High  Street  Meeting. 
Afternoon  employed  in  writing.  I  think  Solomon  tells 
us  that  there  is  a  time  for  every  purpose,  and  much, 
no  doubt,  depends  upon  the  well  timing  of  almost  every 
concern  and  undertaking  in  life;  for  very  many  well- 
laid  plans  and  purposes  have  failed  on  account  of  their 
being  injudiciously  timed. 

This  observation  of  the  wisest  of  men  may  be 
applied  both  to  temporals  and  spirituals,  and  also  to 
things  of  lesser  as  well  as  greater  magnitude  and  im- 
portance. I  have  often  realized  the  assertion  in  the 
lines  of  experience. 

There  is  another  thing  which  conduces  much  to 
the  success  of  even  our  honest  enterprises  ;  that  is, 
after  our  plans  are  well  laid  and  well  timed,  then  be 
resolftte  and  steady  in  the  execution,  and,  trusting  to 
Divine  help,  they  are  seldom  abortive. 

bth  Day^  I'jth, — -jth  Day^  \%th. — These  two  days 
I  spent  mostly  in  writing,  reading,  and  some  calls 
among  my  friends. 


1792.]  135 

1st  Day^  ic)th. — At  three  Meetings,  agreeable  to 
my  usual  custom  when  in  health. 

id  Day^  20th. — The  weather  continues  very  cold. 
Much  snow  on  the  ground,  and  it  may  be  said  with 
truth,  that  we  have  had  a  severe  winter  thus  far — the 
river  having  been  frozen  over  now  about  six  weeks, 
the  greater  part  of  which  time  loaded  carriages  have 
passed  and  repassed  daily.  Much  wood  has  come  to  the 
city  from  the  Jersey  shore  above  and  below  this  place. 

3^  Day.^  2ist. — At  Monthly  Meeting,  which,  at 
two  sittings,  went  through  their  business,  in  about 
seven  hours. 

/\.th  Day^  lid. — Walked  nearly  to  Schuylkill, 
about  stone  for  my  intended  building,  and  found  it 
cold  and  sloppy. 

5/^  Day^  23^. — Attended  High  Street  Meeting, 
where  several  Friends  were  concerned  in  testimony. 
James  Cresson  and  George  Dillwyn  were  two  of  the 
number. 

^th  Day^  i^th. — jth  Day^  2$th. — The  weather 
now  moderates  as  the  sun  gathers  strength,  and  it  af- 
fords a  pleasure  to  the  mind  to  have  indications  of  the 
approach  of  spring,  after  being  so  long  inured  to  the 
boisterous  blasts  of  the  north  winds. 

How  infinitely  and  stupendously  powerful  is  the 
Supreme  Creator,  who  made  and  supports  the  universe 
with  such  inconceivable  wisdom  and  order,  that  every 
part  of  the  mighty  whole  is  preserved  and  maintained 
in  its  proper  place  and  station,  and  is  subservient  to 
the  Great  Maker's  purpose.  He  is  always  operating 
powerfully  (tho'  sometimes  out  of  sight,)  in  upholding 
both  the  visible  and  invisible  creation. 


336  [2d  mo.  25th, 

There  is  great  diversity  in  the  climates  of  the 
different  parts  of  the  globe  we  Inhabit,  and  the  Zones 
are  divided  Into  one  Torrid  or  Burning  Zone,  two 
Temperate,  and  two  Frigid  or  Frozen  Zones. 

Of  these,  we  are  situated  in  one  of  the  Temper- 
ate Zones.  Our  climate  Is  variable,  but  this,  accord- 
ing to  my  apprehension,  makes  it  the  more  agreeable. 
For  the  contrast  between  heat  and  cold  has  with  me 
a  tendency  to  make  the  return  of  spring  more  welcome 
after  the  winter's  cold ;  and  the  approach  of  winter 
after  the  summer's  heat,  serves  to  brace  and  strengthen 
our  relaxed  frames  after  the  warm  season  has  passed. 
So  that  we  have  every  reason  to  be  contented  and 
thankful  for  our  allotment  on  this  ball  of  earth. 

For,  If  we  were  in  a  situation  so  mild  as  to  be 
unacquainted  with  frost,  or  so  severe  as  that  of  Green- 
land and  other  northern  regions,  where  there  is  but 
little  heat  or  warmth,  it  would,  in  my  opinion,  be  more 
unpleasant  than  to  have  our  present  changes. 

However,  I  do  not  undertake  to  determine  for 
others,  as  I  am  aware  that  mankind  In  general  give 
the  preference  to  their  native  country. 

This  love  of  country  has  a  powerful  tendency  to 
bind  us  to  the  soil  that  gave  us  birth.  No  doubt  it 
was  put  Into  our  hearts  in  wisdom  Infinite,  in  order 
that  the  human  race  should  be  dispersed  and  divided 
on  the  surface  of  the  globe,  and  furnished  with  the 
means  of  subsistence,  during  the  little  span  of  time 
that  Is  afforded  them  for  the  great  purpose  of  render- 
ing them  fit  Inhabitants  for  the  far  better  world  to 
come,  where,  we  are  taught  to  believe,  all  will  be 
fixed  and  unalterable. 


I792-]  137 

1st  Da).,  26th. —  Cloudy,  with  rain.  Attended 
Meeting  as  usual. 

2d  Day^  i.']th. — Much  rain  in  the  night,  but  the 
river  keeps  firm. 

3^  Day^  iSth. — At  Meeting ;  afterwards  on  So- 
ciety business.  John  Norris  buried,  who  was  killed 
by  a  fall  from  a  scaffold. 

^th  Day^  i()th. — Attended  the  funeral  of  Stanton 
Dorsey,  aged  about  24.  He  was  grandson  of  that 
worthy,  Daniel  Stanton ;  but  alas,  it  matters  not  to 
whom  we  are  related,  or  who  were  our  progenitors ! 
If  we  do  not  well  ourselves,  we  cannot  expect  to  be 
Divinely  approved.  This  youth,  unhappily,  took, 
early  in  life,  to  bad  courses,  in  which  he  persevered, 
so  as  'tis  too  probable  he  shortened  his  days  by  his 
evil  conduct. 

O,  ever  to  be  lamented  folly !  that  neither  the 
affectionate  entreaties  of  our  nearest  friends,  the  loss 
of  health  and  reputation,  and  above  all,  the  remon- 
strances and  convictions  of  the  holy,  unflattering  Wit- 
ness for  Truth  in  our  own  breasts,  can  prevail,  so  as 
to  induce  those  simple  ones  to  forsake  the  paths  of 
death  and  destruction,  and  turn  to  the  Lord  whilst 
the  door  of  mercy  remains  standing  open ;  for  if  ever 
it  is  eternally  shut  against  us,  woe  indeed,  must  be 
our  portion. 

However,  I  attempt  not  to  decide  on  the  state  of 
this  poor  young  man.  He  had  a  long  space  of  sick- 
ness and  bodily  weakness,  which  may  be  acccounted 
a  favour;  and  if  he  made  a  proper  use  and  improve- 
ment thereof,  we  know  that  the  Lord   sustains  the 


13 


138  [3d  mo.  ist, 

adorable  character  of  Infinite  in  Mercy  and  Goodness 
towards  the  truly  penitent  in  heart. 

^th  Day^  ^^t  ^f  T^hird  month. — This  we  call  the 
first  Spring  day,  and  a  pleasant  one  it  is.  Neighbour 
Robinson  began  his  new  building  near  my  dwelling. 

Was  much  indisposed  with  the  sick  headache. 
May  be  it  is  a  mercy  to  keep  me  from  resting  in  any 
of  the  enjoyments  here  below. 

For,  as  I  am  favoured  to  have  a  comfortable  share 
of  outward  things  without  much  labour,  if  I  had  not 
some  alloy,  I  see  there  is  danger  of  cleaving  too  close 
to  earth  and  lower  objects,  and  neglecting  the  great 
and  momentous  work,  which  is  so  important  to  all. 

(ith  Da},,  2d. — Moderate,  and  a  good  deal  spring- 
like, 'tho  the  icy  chains  of  winter's  piercing  cold  yet 
bind  the  Delaware  and  Schuylkill. 

']th  Day.,  3^. — ^ Variously  employed,  and  I  hope 
not  unprofitably.  I  meditated  upon  the  shortness  and 
uncertainty  of  earthlv  goods ;  their  inability  to  satisfy 
the  immortal  part,  which  at  times  is  favoured  to  see 
and  contemplate  the  end  of  all  things  here  as  swiftly 
approaching  with  resistless  force.  O,  for  a  prepara- 
tion for  a  better  inheritance  than  this  world  can  give 
to  any  of  its  most  devoted  sons. 

1st  Day.,  ^th. — At  Meeting  thrice,  where  we  were 
favoured  with  the  right  sort  of  preaching. 

2d  Day.,  ^th. — The  morning  was  ushered  in  with 
thunder  and  lightning — very  awful,  as  well  as  uncom- 
mon, at  this  season.  Much  rain  accompanied  it. — 
However,  it  continues  cold.      River  not  broken  up. 

3^  Day.,  bth. — Attended  our  Week-day  Meeting, 
at  which  we  heard  the  voice  of  our  valued   Friend 


1792.]  139 

Thomas  Scattergood,  who  lately  returned  from  a  six 
weeks  religious  visit  to  some  Meetings  in  Jersey. 

George  Dillwyn  also  appeared,  and  we  may  allow 
it  was  an  edifying  time.  Attended  a  Committee  on 
Society  business.  In  the  evening  was  also  employed 
in  the  same  way. 

\th.  Day^  'jth. — Was  indisposed  with  the  sick 
headache — very  poorly  indeed.  Nothing  but  patience 
will  do  any  good. 

^th  Day^  Sth.  —  Better.  In  the  afternoon  it 
rained  and  snowed,  and  was  very  stormy.  However, 
I  got  to  a  Committee  at  Fourth  Street  House.  Ice 
in  the  river  begins  to  move. 

6th  Day^  ()th. — Clear  morning;  the  snow  3  or  4 
inches  deep,  but  was  mostly  gone  by  night.  Attended 
a  Committee  on  Meeting  business  in  the  afternoon. 
Some  small  craft, 'tis  said,  begin  to  move  on  the  river. 

ph  Day^  lOth. — A  rainy  morning,  and  proved  a 
thorough  wet  day,  which,  in  all  likelihood,  will  open 
the  navigation.  There  is  a  considerable  freshet  in  the 
Delaware.  Kept  mostly  within  doors,  and  found 
agreeable  employment. 

\st  Day^  nth. — At  Meeting,  as  usual. 

id  Day^  i^th. — Cool  and  blustering,  like  March. 
Tradesmen  in  the  building  way  seem  to  get  in  motion, 
and  'tis  expected  that  many  good  houses  will  go  on 
this  season.  Materials  and  workmanship,  conse- 
quently, rate   high. 

3^  Day^  i^th. — Attended  Week-day  Meeting 
and  an  appointment.  Then  some  necessary  mat- 
ters of  a  private  nature.  I  find  I  am  generally  more 
fit  to  conduct  my  worldly  business   when  my  mind  is 


140  [3d  mo.  14th, 

seasoned  at  a  good  Meeting,  by  getting  as  near  as 
possible  to  the  Inward  Principle,  and  true  place  of 
waiting,  and  as  it  were,  feeling  my  way  through  the 
thorns  and  briers  of  a  delusive  world,  which  often 
hangs  out  false  colours  to  deceive  the  simple  and  cap- 
tivate the  unguarded. 

Let  us,  therefore,  maintain  the  spiritual  watch, 
my  dear  children,  for  we  are  no  longer  safe  than  while 
we  are  on  our  guard  against  the  Grand  Enemy  of 
souls. 

^th  Da)\,  i^th. —  ^th  Day^  i^th. —  Much  taken 
up  about  my  new  building.  The  weather  coarse  and 
blustering.  A  cold  rain,  with  snow,  came  on  towards 
evening  of  Fifth-day. 

About  fiftv  Indians  came  to  town;  said  to  be  of 
the  Six  Nations.  How  earnestly  is  it  to  be  desired 
that  they  may  be  instrumental  in  bringing  about  a  peace 
with  their  country-folks  to  the  Westward,  where  so 
much  blood  hath  been  lately  shed. 

Mother  Elliott  came  to  spend  a  few  days  with  us. 

^th  Day^  i6th. — Snow  fell  to  a  considerable  depth, 
but  soon  disappeared.  Afternoon  attended  a  Com- 
mittee.     Am  favoured  to  feel  pretty  well  in  health. 

yth  Day^  ijth. — A  remarkably  fine  day,  which  I 
filled  up  with  various  avocations. 

How  swiftly  time  passes;  dailv  numbering  many 
to  a  state  of  everlasting  fixedness.  Of  what  import- 
ance, then,  is  it  to  be  in  a  condition  to  render  an  ac- 
count of  our  stewardship. 

May  I  bear  this  consideration  ever  in  mind,  and 
regulate  my  conduct,  not  upon  the  things  of  time,  but 
as  a  probationer  for  eternity,  which  may  most  properly 


1792.]  '  HI 

be  called  our  home,  and  this  life  but  as  a  prelude  or 
passage  to  the  awful,  all-interesting,  after  scene. 

jst  Day^  \%th, — Attended  three  Meetings.  Our 
European  Women  Friends,  M.  Ridgway  and  Jane 
Watson,  came  to  town  yesterday,  after  spending  a 
few  weeks  among  the  Meetings  in  Chester  County. 
They  represent  the  badness  of  the  roads  as  exceed- 
ing any  they  ever  saw. 

id  Day^  igth. — The  masons  began  to  lay  stone 
in  my  new  building.  At  Overseer's  Meeting  in  the 
afternoon.      Evening,  to  see  a  friend. 

^d  Day^  20th. — Rain  in  the  night.  Was  de- 
tained from  Meeting,  much  against  my  inclination. 

^th  Day^  21st. — In  the  afternoon  was  a  funeral 
in  the  ground  opposite  our  door,  of  an  Indian,  one  of 
the  company  who  lately  arrived  from  the  back  coun- 
try. Several  thousand  spectators  attended,  from  mo- 
tives of  curiosity,  and  were  very  disorderly,  much,  I 
think,  to  the  discredit  of  our  city. 

^th  Day^  22d. — At  High  Street  Meeting,  where 
our  European  Women  Friends  were  acceptably  heard 
in  public  testimony. 

We  are  informed  of  the  decease  of  David  Desh-  .' 
ler,  an  antient  Friend  of  German  descent;  also,  Han- 
nah, the  widow  of  Joseph   Morris,  a  meek-spirited, 
good  woman,  I  think,  if  there  be  any  such. 

In  the  evening  visited  two  families,  with  several 
other  Friends,  by  appointment. 

6th  Day^  2i^d. — Warm  for  the  season,  and  show- 
ery. Got  out  my  trees,  which  have  been  housed  all 
winter,  in  order  that  they  may  be  refreshed  with  the 
rain.      I  likewise  uncovered  my  grape  vines. 


13* 


142  l3^  nio-  24th, 

jth  Day^  i^th. — Our  Spring  Meeting  begins  to- 
day, but  it  must  be  with  difficulty  country  Friends  get 
to  town,  the  roads  are  so  miry.      A  wet  day. 

1st  Day^  2$th. — The  public  service  of  this  day 
was,  I  hope,  truly  edifying  unto  many.  Had  the  sat- 
isfaction of  some  of  our  Friends'  company. 

2d  Day^  26th, — A  cool,  uncomfortable  day,  both 
damp  and  wet,  which  affects  my  poor  weak  frame. 
Several  of  our  family  were  also  affected  with  colds. 

3^  Day^  2']th. — It  cleared  away  fine  and  pleasant. 
Spring  Meeting  now  concludes.  Samuel  Emlen  and 
Sarah  Harrison  set  at  liberty  to  proceed  on  their  re- 
ligious visit  to  Europe;  John  Pemberton  don't  go  yet. 
Our  European  Friends  had  certificates  for  their  return 
to  their  native  country.  A  good  deal  taken  up  with 
worldly  concerns. 

^th  Day^  2%th. — The  warmest  day  we  have  had 
this  Spring,  which  made  the  buds  shoot  fast.  The  first 
day  that  I  have  noticed  the  martins.  Got  up  some 
of  our  vines. 

Mother  Hopkins  and  several  young  people  came 
to  visit  us.  Was  poorly  in  the  evening,  with  my  sick 
headache. 

My  mind  was  solidly  impressed  with  the  uncer- 
tainty of  our  time  here  in  this  world,  and  the  great 
importance  of  a  preparation  for  a  state  of  everlasting 
fixidness.  May  I  properly  improve  the  few  remain- 
ing days  of  my  allotted  span,  so  that  I  may,  through 
Infinite  Goodness  and  Mercy,  finish  well  when  the 
end  comes,  is  my  sincere  labour  and  prayer  to  the 
God  of  mv  life. 


1792.]  H3 

^th  Day^  2()th. — 6th  Day^  i^oth. — Much  engaged 
about  earthly  things,  and  as  1  apprehended,  necessarily 
so.  However,  I  am  persuaded  that  too  great  diU.  abun- 
dance is  an  entanglement  in  our  progress  towards  the 
Holy  City ;  and  tho'  we  who  have  families  cannot 
shake  off  such  engagements  altogether,  let  us  endea- 
vour to  keep  them  as  much  under  rule  as  possible. 

']th  Day^  Z^^i' — Poorly  in  health; — something  of 
a  fever  and  humour  in  my  head  and  face,  attended 
with  a  pain  in  my  bones. 

\st  Day^  1st  of  Fourth  month. — At  Meeting  thrice, 
being  a  little  better. 

2d  Day.,  id. — My  head  and  hands  full  of  worldly 
cares.  How  do  I  desire  ardently,  to  keep  the  great 
point  steadily  in  view,  and  all  outward  things  subser- 
vient thereto. 

3<^  Day.,  yl.  —  Adjournment  of  the  Monthly 
Meeting. 

When  I  came  home  was  acquainted  with  an  un- 
pleasant occurrence,  by  the  bursting  of  a  well  near 
one  I  was  causing  to  be  dug,  by  which  one  of  the 
workmen  was  in  danger  of  his  life.  These  things 
sometimes  will  happen  to  those  concerned  in  building. 

\th  Day.,  \th. — Taken  up  endeavouring  to  rem- 
edy the  cross  occurrence  which  happened  yesterday 
in  our  well,  which,  with  much  exercise  and  difficulty, 
we  accomplished.  We  are  in  hopes,  tho'  the  pros- 
pect at  first  was  gloomy,  and  judged  by  some  to  be 
past  remedy,  that  it  may  eventually  be  no  great  det- 
riment. 

^th  Day.,  ^th. — Had  a  blister  put  upon  mv  back, 
for  a  complaint  in  my  ear. 


144  t^^^  ^^'  ^^^' 

6th  Day^  6th. — The  blister,  according  to  present 
appearances,  has  had  a  good  effect.  However,  was  a 
good  deal  indisposed,  and  kept  house  altogether. 

ph  Day^  -jth. — Poorly  in  the  morning,  but  better 
in  the  after  part  of  the  day.  Planted  a  couple  more 
new  vines  from  Slaughter's  Garden,  which  I  believe 
to  be  of  a  good  kind. 

Afternoon  attended  the  burial  of  Robert  Hudson, 
a  young  man  about  30,  who  had  been  wild  and  ex- 
travagant in  his  conduct.  Yet  some,  who  visited  him 
on  his  sick-bed,  were  led  to  hope  favour  and  mercy 
were  extended,  through  unfeigned  repentance. 

i^^  Day.,  Sth.  —  About  the  first  week  in  this 
month  the  day  breaks  about  5  o'clock,  and  the  even- 
ing shuts  in  about  7.  My  daily  practice  of  rising 
early,  gives  me  occasion  to  make  this  observation. 
The  mornings  and  evenings,  however,  are  cool,  tho' 
the  noon  is  warm  and  pleasant. 

My  orange  trees  a  good  deal  pinched,  but  I  allow 
I  set  them  out  too  soon.  In  general,  the  middle  of 
the  Fourth  month  is  quite  early  enough. 

2d  Day^  gth. — Went  on  with  our  building,  and 
also  some  repairs  which  I  have  in  hand.  It  is  a  fine 
thing  to  do  things  in  proper  season. 

3^  Day.,  lOth. — At  the  adjournment  of  Monthly 
Meeting,  William  Savery  proposed  his  concern  to  go 
to  Virginia,  and  Thomas  Scattergood  to  Carolina  and 
probably  Georgia.  Was  much  distressed  with  the  un- 
easiness of  my  blister,  now  healing,  which  occasioned 
me  to  sitthislong  Meeting  with  much  difficulty.  How- 
ever, in  the  afternoon  I  pushed  out  again,  and  walked 
nearly  to  Schuylkill,  after  some  stone  for  my  building. 


1792.]  H5 

^th  Day^  nth. — A  poor  night,  and  also  an  un- 
easy day  with  my  blister.  I  find  it  a  sore  thing  from 
first  to  last ;  but  yet  it  seems  to  have  removed,  in  a 
great  measure,  the  complaint  in  my  ear,  and  perhaps 
may  help  my  headache.      A  wet  day. 

^th  Day.^  11th. — At  High  Street  Meeting,  Amos 
Gregg  and  Ann  Maris  married.  George  Dillwyn  ap- 
peared, also  Lydia  Starr,  and  both,  I  thought,  to  sat- 
isfaction. 

bth  Day.,  i^th. — yth  Day.,  \\th. — Having  a  diffi- 
cult job  in  hand,  I  was  much  taken  up  in  procuring 
materials  and  contriving  for  the  best. 

1st  Day^  i^th. — A  remarkable  day  of  favour  at 
each  of  the  three  Meetings.  How  much  owest  thou 
unto  thy  Lord,  was  the  query ;  and  it  may  be  made 
with  as  much  truth  in  our  day  as  formerly. 

id  Day.,  i6th. — As  busy  as  well  could  be,  and  I 
esteem  it  a  great  favour.  My  health  is  in  good  mea- 
sure preserved,  so  as  not  to  be  disabled  from  attending 
on  the  workmen. 

3^  Day^  ly th. — Preparative  Meeting,  and  a  great 
deal  of  business.      Rainy  in  the  afternoon,  and  warm. 

ph  Day.,  iSth. — Preserved  in  tolerable  health, 
which  I  account  a  great  mercy. 

^th  Day.,  i()th. — Employed  as  yesterday.  Got 
along  peaceably,  and  to  my  satisfaction.  It  is  by  de- 
grees, and  through  perseverance  and  patience,  we  can 
accomplish  any  considerable  undertaking. 

bth  Day.,  20th. — Proved  a  rainy  morning,  which 
drove  us  from  our  work.  The  spring  has  been  gen- 
erally unfavourable  for  building  and  brick-making. 
Doubtless  all  is  ordered  in  Unerring  Wisdom — for. 


146  [4th  mo.  2ist, 

on  other  accounts,  as  to  grass  and  vegetation,  it  is  a 
fine  season. 

On  the  produce  of  the  ground  man  chiefly  de- 
pends for  his  subsistence — so  'tis  our  duty  to  be  thank- 
ful and  contented  with  the  various  dispensations  meted 
out  to  us,  dependent  as  we  are  upon  Divine  Bounty. 

ph  Day^  2ist. — Wet  and  very  wet,  which  in- 
terrupts our  progress.  However,  it  will  have  its  use 
in  the  creation,  and  when  the  sun  again  dispenses  its 
genial  heat  and  warmth,  will  bring  forward  the  pro- 
duce of  the  earth  with  redoubled  force. 

Better  of  my  cold  and  other  complaints.  I  have 
been  taking  dandelion  juice  in  the  morning  fasting — 
and  apply  the  bark,  say  Jesuit's  bark,  to  the  crown  of 
my  head,  which  has  been  recommended  for  my  com- 
mon complaint. 

Attended  the  burial  of  an  Indian,  (one  of  those 
who  came  to  this  city  some  time  ago,)  called  the  Big 
Tree.  He  was  buried  in  Friends'  ground,  at  the  re- 
quest of  his  companions,  and  many  Friends  were 
present. 

A  discourse  was  made  by  their  Missionary  or 
Minister  in  the  Indian  language,  which,  though  I 
could  not  understand,  had  something  pleasing  in  it. 
Our  Friend  George  Dillwyn  spoke  afterwards,  and 
the  funeral  was  conducted  with  solemnity.  About  36 
Indians  followed  the  deceased,  and  their  countenances 
were  remarkably  solid  and  grave.     A  wet,  dripping  day. 

1st  Day^  lid. — Was  favoured  to  be  well  enough 
to  be  at  three  Meetings. 

id  Day^  23^. — Fully  employed  about  necessary 
occasions. 


1792.]  '  H7 

3^  Day^  2^th. — Monthly  Meeting.  Our  Friends 
W.  Savery  and  Thomas  Scattergood's  certificates  pre- 
pared and  signed — the  first  for  Virginia — the  latter 
for  Carolina.      Did  some  writing  to  send  abroad. 

^th  Day^  2^th. — Was  about  home  most  part  of 
the  day,  being  cumbered  about  many  things.  O  that 
I  may  not  forget  or  neglect  the  one  thing  only  needful, 
in  a  comparative  sense,  with  all  others. 

^th  Day^  26th, — A  dull  day,  but  I  pressed  through 
to  Meeting. 

(yth  Day^  i']th. — Went  on  with  my  temporal 
matters  pretty  well.  We  have  always  something  or 
other  to  try  our  patience,  but  in  the  right  sort  of  con- 
fidence we  possess  our  minds,  and  if  our  hearts  are 
upright,  we  are  generally  helped  along,  though  at  times 
beset  on  every  hand  with  difiiculties. 

']th  Day^  i%th. — Mother  Elliott  on  a  visit  at  our 
house  for  a  {^^  days ;  Sister  Gray  also  with  her. — 
Dull  and  drizzly,  but  felt  pretty  well.  Time  makes 
a  steady  progress,  and  whether  we  employ  it  well  or 
ill,  we  are  accountable  for  its  use  or  abuse. 

How  important  is  life  ! — how  awful  is  death  !  It 
one  day  on  a  sick-bed  appears  so  invaluable,  how  ne- 
cessary to  put  our  talent  or  talents  to  usury ;  that  so, 
on  a  final  reckoning,  we  may  not  be  amazed  or  con- 
founded with  the  sentence  of  the  slothful  servant. 

\st  Day^  2C)th. — ^A  severe  spell  of  the  sick  head- 
ache, which  confined  me  to  the  bed  most  of  the  day. 
It  was  a  cross  not  to  be  able  to  go  to  the  Meeting — 
but  there  was  no  remedy  but  patience  and  submission. 
At  morning  Meeting  William  Savery,  I  am  told,  had 
the  public  service,  being  about  leaving  us  for  a  season. 


148  "  [4th  mo.  30th, 

I  hear  Job  Scott,  an  eminent  Minister  of  Provi- 
dence, New  England,  has  laid  his  concern  for  Europe 
before  the  Meeting  he  belongs  to.  It  was  what  I 
expected  when  in  those  parts  last  summer,  and  now 
seems  likely  to  take  place,  I  trust,  in  due  time. 

2d  Day^  '}pth. — Growing  weather,  tho'  it  is  not 
allowed  to  be  a  forward  spring.  Yet  I  hope  we  may- 
be favoured  with  a  good  fruit  year,  as  the  blossoms 
are  abundant.  However,  we  may  yet  have  some  frosty 
mornings,  which  may  disappoint  our  wishes. 

'^d  Day^  ist  of  Fifth  month. — May  Day — 2.  high 
day  among  the  milk-maids  in  London,  as 'tis  said,  when 
they  go  about  the  streets  with  garlands  of  flowers. 

The  custom  of  setting  up  May  Poles  on  this  day 
here,  which  has  been  annually  practised  for  many 
years  past,  seems  much  to  decline-— hardly  any  to  be 
seen.  Building,  in  most  parts  of  the  city  goes  on  with 
great  spirit. 

^th  Day^  id. — Markets  high;  and  wood  also: — 
Oak,  225.  6d.  a  price  not  usual  at  this  season. 

^th  Day.,  3^. — At  Market  or  High  Street  Meet- 
ing. Much  taken  up  afterwards  about  various  con- 
cerns. 

6th  Day.,  ^.th. — Rainy,  but  found  employment. 
Mary  Newport,  deceased. 

jth  Day.,  5//^. — A  busy  day.  Almost  overdid 
the  matter  for  I  had  a  heavy  fit  of  my  headache,  which 
I  have  reason  to  think  is  frequently  brought  on  by 
over-fatigue.  It  continued  bad  through  the  night.  I 
may  safely  say  I  have  been  for  30  years  a  patient  suf- 
ferer by  this  trying  complaint,  and  have  never  found 
any  application  or  medicine  effectual   for  removing  it. 


1792.]  149 

therefore  am  compelled  to  submit  to  it  as  a  part  of  the 
portion  of  human  evil  dispensed  to  all  the  sons  of  Adam. 

1st  Day^  6th. — At  morning  Meeting  several  sa- 
vory testimonies  were  delivered ;  also,  a  prayer  or  two. 

2d  Day^  'jth. — Our  Quarterly  Meeting  was  held 
(being  the  second  time)  in  the  North  Meeting  House, 
to  good  satisfaction. 

3^  Day.^  Sth. — Attended  a  Committee  on  the  ser- 
vice of  the  Quarterly  Meeting;  also,  to  some  private 
affairs,  having  several  irons  in  the  fire,  and  not  will- 
ing either  of  them  should  burn  for  want  of  care. 

^th  Day^  Q)th. — Proceeded  with  our  building  to 
satisfaction,  the  weather  being  fine  and  suitable  for  our 
purpose.  Bought  8  or  9  cords  of  hickory,  at  25J. 
which  is  counted  low. 

5//?  J^ay^  loth.  —  To  appearance,  settled  fine 
weather.      Another  fit  of  my   usual  complaint. 

6th  Day^  nth. — A  fine,  fair  morn.  Nature,  re- 
joicing in  the  bounty  of  the  Great  Creator,  now  put- 
ting on  her  gayest  robes  5  the  fields  luxuriant;  the 
animal  creation  in  vigour  and  high  health — O,  that 
we  may  not  abuse  them — the  generous  horse  partic- 
ularly, the  sportive  lamb,  the  profitable  cow,  the  use- 
ful ox — all  contribute  to  supply  the  wants  and  promote 
the  welfare  of  man,  whose  heart  should  expand  with 
love  and  gratitude  to  the  bountiful  and  beneficent 
Author  of  every  blessing. 

The  warmest  day  this  season ;  no  coming  near 
the  fire  with  comfort.  I  pity  the  brick-layer's  labour- 
ers, panting  among  the  lime-dust. 

'Jth  Day.,  12th. — A  busy  day,  with  some  inter- 
ruptions.     However,  got  along  reasonably  well. 

14 


150  [5th  mo.  13th, 

1st  Day^  13^^- — At  three  Meetings,  which  were 
mostly  silent.  The  weather  being  very  warm,  has  a 
natural  tendency  to  relax  weak  frames.  Wrote  a 
letter  in  the  evening  to  a  friend. 

2d  Day^  i/\.ih. — Got  forward  with  our  business. 

^d  Day^  15^^. — A  favoured  Meeting,  after  which 
the  Preparative  Meeting  was  held. 

6^th  Day^  i6th. — Wet.  Got  a  wrench  or  strain 
in  the  small  of  my  back,  which  was  painful  and  trou- 
blesome. Bled,  &c.  Being  ofF  my  legs,  could  do 
but  little. 

^th  Day^  I'jth. — Could  not  attend  Meeting.  In 
much  pain ;  towards  evening  a  little  relieved.  Near 
night.  Mother  Elliott  and  Sister  Gray  went  home  to 
brother  John's. 

6th  Day^  \%th. — Felt  a  little  on  the  mending  or- 
der. We  hear  of  the  decease  of  our  valued  Friend 
Samuel  Neal,  of  Ireland,  who  'tis  said,  deceased  27th 
2d  month  last,  of  a  mortification  in  his  foot,  about  the 
65th  year  of  his  age. 

He,  together  with  Susannah  Lightfoot,  appeared 
in  Public  Testimony  at  our  wedding,  about  20  years 
ago,  being  then  on  a  religious  visit  to  this  country. 

']th  Day^  ic)th. — Attempted  too  soon  to  exert  my- 
self, and  so  got  worse  of  my  strain,  and  was  bad  in- 
deed— so  that  I  could  scarce  move  without  crying  out. 

1st  Day^  10th. — Was  on  the  bed  most  of  the  day, 
and  could  scarce  tell  whether  I  mended  or  not.  How- 
ever, towards  night  I  sat  up  a  little,  and  a  pretty  good 
night  followed. 

I  find  we  must  use  endeavours  to  help  ourselves 
inwardly,  as  well  as  outwardly,  and  put  our  own  shoul- 


1792.]  151 

ders  to  the  wheels,  as  well  as  call  for  assistance  from 
others,  and  then  we  may  reasonably  hope  to  get  along 
through  the  variety  of  ills  attendant  on  our  passage 
through  this  lower  stage  of  being. 

Cousin  Thomas  Scattergood  set  off  on  his  jour- 
ney to  Carolina  and  Georgia. 

id  Day^  2ist. — Felt  myself  on  the  mending  hand, 
and  very  careful  I  was,  not  to  interrupt  nature  in  her 
operations  to  restore  strength  to  my  poor  frame. — 
Walked  about  a  little  with  a  staff.  Health  is  the 
most  precious  of  outward  treasures. 

3^  Day^  lid. — Our  Monthly  Meeting,  but  I  was 
an  absentee,  through  necessity  only,  as  it  would  have 
been  imprudent  to  have  attempted  to  sit  a  Meeting  in 
my  weak  state. 

\th  Day^  23^. — Still  grew  better,  but  slowly. — 
Walked  out  to  see  how  our  workmen  went  on.  Used 
balsam  of  fir  for  my  strain,  which  I  believe  to  be  a 
beneficial  medicine. 

^th  Day^  i\th. — Clear  and  warm. 

(^th  Day^  2^th. — Could  not  say  I  was  well,  tho' 
much  better  upon  the  whole.  Was  favoured  to  con- 
clude these  twenty-four  hours  to  satisfaction. 

jth  Day^  ibth. — Employed  as  usual.  A  time  to 
labour,  and  a  time  to  reap  the  harvest  which  it  is  wont 
to  produce.  May  the  blessing  from  above  be  added, 
else  all  is  vanity. 

\st  Day^  I'jth. — Calm  and  serene — a  sweet  day  of 
rest. 

2d  Day^  2^th. — Felt  bravely  in  health,  for  which 
I  desire  to  be  thankful  to  the  Great  Author  of  every 
blessing. 


152  [5th  mo.  29th, 

Several  sudden  deaths  about  this  time — among 
others,  Mary  Garrigues,  was  at  Meeting  one  day  and 
died  before  another  dawned ;  an  awful  instance  of  the 
uncertainty  of  time. 

A  man  sank  down  and  died  as  he  was  attending 
in  his  shop,  and  another  in  the  same  neighbourhood, 
after  a  few  hours  ilhiess.  John  Gravenstine,  a  stout 
man,  to  appearance  Hkely  to  live  many  years,  taken 
ofF  very  suddenly. 

So  the  messenger  is  commissioned  to  go  from 
house  to  house  to  fulfil  the  decree  of  the  Highest. — 
Let  us  stand  in  awe,  and  not  sin,  for  we  know  not 
the  day  nor  hour  when  we  may  be  summoned  to  a 
fixed  and  unalterable  state. 

3^  Day^  2(^th. — At  Week-day  Meeting,  Samuel 
Noble  and  Elizabeth  Tomkins  entered  into  marriage 
covenant.  The  Adjournment  of  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing was  afterwards  held,  and  the  business  finished. 
Performed  a  little  service  for  the  cause's  sake,  which 
afforded  satisfaction  to  my  mind. 

Was  out  on  business  the  after  part  of  the  day, 
and  felt  in  a  good  degree  comfortable  as  to  my  health. 
My  weak  frame  seems  to  feel  full  as  well  in  warm  as 
in  cold  weather;  life  being  supported  by  heat  and 
warmth  may  be  the  fundamental  reason. 

The  creation  now  in  its  vigour  since  the  nights  be- 
came warm.  A  noble  appearance  of  crops  on  the  ground. 
\th  Day^  ifith. — This  was  a  general  cleaning  and 
white-washing  day,  consequently  our  house  was  turned 
upside  down,  as  the  saying  is.  The  women  part  of 
the  family  were  weary  enough  by  bed-time,  and,  in- 
deed, I  did  not  need  a  cradle  myself. 


1792.]  ^53 

^th  Da}\  2,^st. — Rose  before  the  sun,  as  I  have 
for  many  days  past,  and  with  my  dear  Caleb  did  some 
work  in  the  yard  in  the  cool  part  of  the  morning,  that 
being  best  for  such  sort  of  business,  especially  for  those 
who  are  not  much  inured  to  labour,  for  when  the  sun 
approaches  the  meridian  it  beats  us  ofF. 

I  went  to  Meeting,  and  afterwards  performed 
some  errands.      This  proved  a  very  warm  day. 

In  the  evening  my  dear  Johnny  returned  from  a 
little  journey  to  Crosswick's  Quarterly  Meeting.  He 
was  well-pleased  with  his  ride.  I  felt  thankful  for  his 
safety  aud  preservation  to  the  Great  Preserver. 

The  thermometer  rose  to  90  degrees  the  latter 
part  of  this  day. 

6th  Day^  ist  of  Sixth  month. — Cloudy,  sultry  and 
close.  The  evening  produced  a  fine  shower,  which 
greatly  refreshed  the  face  of  nature. 

Thomas  Shute  deceased,  a  poor  distressed  object, 
who  had  for  many  years  been  conversant  in  the  school 
of  affliction.  He  was  buried  from  our  neighbour  Rob- 
inson's being  his  wife's  brother. 

Got  along  with  my  outward  concerns,  step  by  step. 
Exertion  on  our  part  is  indispensably  necessary,  or  we 
cannot  expect  to  attain  the  desired  end. 

ph  Day.^  id. — About  4  o'clock  there  was  a  fine 
soaking  shower,  which  was  an  addition  to  the  blessing 
of  last  night. 

The  creation  may  be  said  to  be  now  in  its  fullest 
vigour — everything  thriving  and  pressing  towards  per- 
fection. 

May  we  imitate  the  progress  of  nature,  in  a  spir- 
itual sense,  and  endeavour  to  attain  the  end,  the  great 

14* 


154  [^^h  mo.  3d, 

end,  set  before  the  children  of  men,  that  is,  to  finish 
well,  and  close  the  scene  of  life  peacefully,  that  so 
death  may  not  have  a  sting,  nor  the  grave  a  victory. 

Attended  the  remains  of  T.  Shute  to  the  place 
appointed  for  all  the  living. 

Last  ni^ht  our  neighbour  Roe  took  a  final  leave 
of  earth.  She  was  advanced  beyond  the  middle  stage 
of  life,  had  borne. a  number  of  children,  and  been  an 
industrious,  careful  woman.  But  many  secret  sor- 
rows were  mingled  in  her  cup,  and  towards  her  close 
she  was  pressed  beyond  the  powers  of  nature,  so  that 
reason  failed,  and  she  groaned  out  the  remains  of  life 
to  appearance  in  great  agony. 

Yet  this  consolation  remains  for  the  upright  in 
heart,  that  the  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth ; — He 
knoweth  all  things,  and  will  reward  or  punish  ac- 
cordingly. 

I  hope  her  departed  spirit  may  find  acceptance, 
trusting  that,  according  to  the  testimony  of  Holy 
Writ,  she  was  one  of  those  who  had  done  what  she 
could, 

1st  Day^  3^. — A  dull,  warm,  growing  morning. 
The  creation  now  in  her  glory,  all  vigorous  and  gay, 
the  sap  flowing  with  uninterrupted  force.  Fruit  and 
flowers,  grain  and  grass,  all  spontaneously  forming 
under  nature's  hand — how  or  wherefore  we  know  not. 
But  thus  much  we  do  know  of  a  certainty,  that  there 
must,  without  any  doubt,  be  a  great  and  supremely 
powerful  First  Cause.  To  Him,  then,  let  us  bend  the 
knee  of  our  minds  in  humble  adoration,  and  render 
Him  the  just  praise  of  all  His  works,  which  abound 
with  wonder,  mystery,  and  astonishing  magnificence. 


1792.]  155 

Whether  we  contemplate  Him  in  the  lowest  or 
highest  order  of  His  visible  creation — either  in  the 
depths  of  the  earth,  or  the  heights  of  heaven,  (the 
Planetary  System,  as  it  is  sometimes  termed) — all  His 
works  exhibit  just  ground  for  wonder.  How  mani- 
fold !  how  grand !  how  strikingly  gracious  and  boun- 
tiful ! 

Let  us,  therefore,  adore   Him,  both  with  tongue 

and  heart,  as  God  over  all,  supremely  worthy  of  power 

and  majesty,  infinite  and  unutterable,  and  let  us,  with 

the  royal   Psalmist,  say — "G/l'<?  unto  the  Lord^  O  ye 

mighty.,  give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and  strength !^^      ^^Give 

unto  the  Lord  the  glojy  due  unto  his  narne.^^      '^''Worship 

the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.''^ 

Attended  the  funeral  of  our  neighbour  Roe  in  the 

evening,  after  which  went  to  see  a  friend  or  two,  and 

so  returned  home  with  my  dear  wife,  and  retired  to 

rest. 

id  Day^  ^th. — As  the  days  are  now  nearly  at  the 

longest,  at  about  4  we  have  light  sufficient  for  almost 

any  business,  and  pleasant  it  is  to  enjoy  the  fragrance 

of  the  morning  dawn,  mixed  with  the  sweet  gales  of 

odoriferous  flowers  that  perfume  the  breath  of  nature 

at  this  high  period  of  her  strength. 

3<^  Day.^  ^th. — A  favoured  Meeting.    John  Evans 

and  Rachel  Ridgway  married.      Very  warm  day,  so  as 

to  be,  some  part  of  it,  quite  oppressive. 

/ifth  Day.^  6th. — Close  and  sultry ;  rain  in  the  af- 
ternoon. Felt  pretty  well  and  comfortable.  Exer- 
cised myself  in  dressing  my  vines,  and  some  other 
little  matters.  My  vines  flourish,  and  look  promis- 
ing. 


J  r5  [6th  mo.  7th, 

^th  Da}\,  -jth. — Meeting  at  High  Street.  Felt 
low,  but  composed  in  mind — viewing  human  life  but 
as  a  passing  cloud,  and  everything  on  this  visible  the- 
atre terminating  with  a  rapid  progress  as  to  those  who 
live  and  exist  at  the  present  moment. 

We  hear  of  the  assassination  of  the  King  of  Swe- 
den, one  of  his  officers  having  shot  five  balls  into  his 
bowels.  The  Grand  Sultan  also  was  in  danger  of 
losino-  his  life,  by  an  attempt  made  upon  him  at  a 
public  assembly.  Royalty  itself,  we  experience,  is 
not  exempt  from  calamity,  and  the  long  black  roll  of 
human  woes. 

The  blacks  and  mulattoes  on  the  island  of  His- 
spainola,  at  least  on  the  French  side  of  the  island,  have 
made  a  revolt  from  their  old  task-masters — having 
armed  themselves,  and  being  filled  with  indignation 
and  despair,  are  carrying  fire  and  sword  through  the 
diff'erent  settlements,  in  order  to  recover  that  personal 
liberty  which,  unquestionably,  was  intended  by  the 
Great  Author  of  Nature  as  a  right  unalienable  to  the 
human  species. 

It  is  not,  I  think,  unworthy  of  remark,  that  about 
300  years  ago,  Columbus  first  discovered  the  island  of 
Hispainola,  where  the  insurrection  has  taken  place, 
and  by  the  power  of  the  Spanish  arms,  subdued  the 
natives  by  devastation  and  slaughter.  Now,  in  the  Di- 
vine ordering  of  events,  may  perhaps  be  permitted  the 
restoration  of  freedom  to  this  oppressed  part  of  man- 
kind, and,  if  the  Lord's  good  time  is  arrived,  'tis  pos- 
sible with  Him  to  break  the  bonds  of  those  who  have 
for  many  years  been  held  in  grievous  bondage  and  cap- 
tivity, under  worse  than  Egyptian  task-masters. 


1792.]  ^57 

6th  Da}\  Sth. — Found  enough  to  keep  myself  full 
of  employment  through  this  day. 

jth  Day^  ()th. — Our  workmen  have  got  to  the 
top  stone,  so  we  made  them  welcome,  in  the  evening, 
to  a  small  repast. 

1st  Day^  loth. — Attended  two  Meetings.  The 
evening  wet,  so  I  kept  house,  not  being  very  well. 

'2d  Day^  nth. — 3^  Day.,  12th. — Usual  engage- 
ments, but  did  not  forget  Meeting. 

4.th  Day,  i^th. — 5//;  Day,  i^th. — My  hands,  as 
well  as  head,  much  employed,  besides  a  good  deal  of 

company. 

6th  Day,  i^th. — By  mercy  we  stand,  if,  having 
done  all  that  is  required,  we  do  stand;  therefore,  not 
any  merit  in  us,  but  free  grace  alone. 

'Jth  Day,  16th. — Many  avocations  occurred,  but 
got  through  with  some  degree  of  satisfaction. 

1st  Day,  i-jth. — Attended  IVIeetings  as  usual. 

2d  Day,  i^th. — 3^  Day,  igth. — These  two  days 
I  was  much  taken  up  adjusting  my  little  concerns  and 
preparing  for  a  journey  with  my  dear  wife  and  son 
Caleb  to  New  York  and  Long  Island. 

/\.th  Day,   20th. — To-day    we    left    Philadelphia 

about  six  in  the  evening,  and   after  a    pleasant  run 

over  Delaware,   proceeded    seven  miles  to   Haddon- 

field. 

At   Haddon field  I  married  my  first  wife,  Sarah 

Hopkins,  daughter  of  Ebenezer  and  Sarah   Hopkins, 

with  whom  I  lived  about  two  years  and  four  months, 

when  she  deceased  of  a  nervous  fever,  after  about  two 

weeks  illness,  9th  month  12th,  1769,  in  the  2Tst  year 


of  her  age. 


158  [6th  mo.  2ist, 

Our  little  daughter  Mary,  then  about  18  months 
old,  lived  'til  her  ninth  year,  and  died  at  Philadelphia, 
19th  ist  month,  1777,  of  the  small  pox;  a  very  ami- 
able child,  both  as  to  person  and  temper. 

Of  her  mother,  I  may  also  mention  that  she  was 
a  virtuous,  discreet,  meek-spirited  woman,  and  1  had 
a  prospect  of  much  comfort  and  satisfaction  in  our 
union.  But  He  who  orders  all  things  in  unerring 
wisdom,  permitted  it  not  to  be  of  long  duration — in 
whose  appointments  I  wish  ever  to  be  resigned,  as 
much  as  human  frailty  will  permit. 

This  was  a  heavy  stroke  to  me,  and  was  the 
means  of  my  return  to  my  native  city  in  about  six 
months,  with  mv  little  daughter. 

On  the  i6th  of  4th  month,  1772,  I  formed  an- 
other connection  with  my  present  much-beloved  com- 
panion, with  whom  I  have  now  continued  20  years. 

Though  we  have  had  a  large  portion  of  the  trials 
and  afflictions  attendant  upon  human  life,  we  may, 
with  great  thankfulness  and  gratitude,  acknowledge 
that  hitherto  we  have  been  helped  in  a  remarkable 
manner  under  and  over  our  various  difficulties,  which 
excites  to  humble  confidence  in  the  Great  Preserver 
of  men. 

We  desire  to  walk  before  Him  in  His  holy  fear, 
and  with  dedication  of  heart  to  His  service,  which  is 
the  alone  safe  and  peaceful  state  we  can  attain  to  in 
this  world. 

At  Haddoniield  we  lodged  at  Mother  Hopkins', 
and  were  kindly  entertained  two  nights. 

^th  Day^  21st. — Was  at  Haddonfield  Week-day 
Meeting,  v/here  I  had  not  been   for  several  years  be- 


fore,  though  I  always  thought  it  a  pleasant  place.  Af- 
ternoon went  over  to  my  brother-in-law  John  Hop- 
kins, and  spent  the  afternoon  agreeably  in  his  family. 
Had  a  fine  shower  of  rain  in  the  evening;  however, 
we  got  home  to  our  lodgings  without  much  inconve- 
nience. 

()th  Day^  22d. — Rose  early  this  morning,  with  a 
view  of  being  upon  the  road  by  sunrise,  as  the  pleas- 
antest  time  of  travelling  at  this  season,  but  as  it  proved 
a  very  foggy,  damp  morning,  considering  we  were 
none  of  us  very  stout,  so  concluded  to  stay  at  our 
quarters  'til  after  breakfast,  when  we  got  under  way, 
and  going  through  Moorestown,  it  became  very  warm 
after  the  sun  broke  out. 

Towards  noon  we  reached  Mount  Holly,  a  little 
tired  with  our  warm  ride.  After  dining  at  Rosell's 
Tavern,  went  in  to  see  our  kind  friend  Elizabeth  Hat- 
kinson,  who  invited  us  to  lodge  there,  which  was  ac- 
ceptable, as  we  had  reason  to  believe  our  accommo- 
dation at  the  inn  would  be  but  indifferent. 

Caleb  went,  after  dinner,  to  the  top  of  the  great 
hill  near  the  town,  called  the  Mount,  from  which,  to- 
gether with  the  holly  ground  adjoining — ^where  the 
buildings  principally  stand,  the  town  derives  its  name. 
From  the  top  of  this  mount  a  noble  prospect  opens  to 
view,  and  'tis  said,  when  the  air  is  clear  our  city 
steeples  may  be  discerned.  He  also  went  to  view 
the  mills  and  water  works,  which  are  worth  seeing. 

'jth  Day^  23^. — ^Rain  in  the  fore  part  of  the  day 
induced  us  to  stay  'til  afternoon.  About  5  we  setoff 
for  Burlington,  a  sloppy  ride  of  7  miles,  where  we 
arrived  in  pretty  good  time  in  the  evening,  and  after 


i6o  [6th  mo.  24th, 

seeing  our  horses  well  taken  care  of  at  the  tavern,  took 
up  our  quarters  for  the  night  at  E.  and  M.  Barker's. 

1st  Day^  i\th. — Attended  Burlington  Meeting, 
forenoon  and  afternoon.  Lydia  Hoskins  and  George 
Dillwyn  exercised  their  gifts  in  the  Ministry. 

Drank  tea  at  John  Cox's;  viewed  Sucky  Dill- 
wyn's  silk-worms.  In  the  evening  called  in  at  several 
friends'  houses,  and  then  retired  to  rest. 

7.d  Day^  2^th. — Rose  early,  with  an  intention  of 
taking  a  morning  ride  to  our  old  neighbour  John  Law- 
rence's place,  but  were  disappointed  by  the  rain  coming 
on,  which  continued  without  intermission  most  of 
the   morning. 

After  dinner  it  cleared  away,  and  we  pursued  our 
intention  of  going  to  John  Lawrence's  place,  and  called 
in  by  the  way  at  our  friend  John  Cox's,  who  was 
with  us.  Afterwards  returned  to  Burlington,  and 
drank  tea  at  William  Smith's,  with  divers  Burling- 
ton friends. 

^d  Da)\  26th. — Set  off  after  breakfast  for  Cross- 
wick's,  and  got  to  John  Wright's  about  noon,  where 
we  dined,  and  so  proceeded  towards  Stony  Brook. 

In  the  evening  reached  Benjamin  Clark's,  and 
were  comfortably  accommodated  there  that  night — 
he  having  a  good  settlement,  and  plenty  both  for  man 
and  horse.      26  miles. 

^th  Day^  2'jth. — Were  on  the  way  about  7,  pas- 
sing by  Stony  Brook  Meeting  House.  Then  through 
Princeton,  where  the  New  Jersey  College  makes  a 
spacious  show,  being  three  stories  high,  with  about 
25  windows  in  each.  We  proceeded  through  Kings- 
town,  (almost  gone  to  decay,)  over   Rocky  Hill,  re- 


1792.]  i6i 

freshing  ourselves  and  horses  at  Slover's  Tav^ern.  We 
arrived  at  Brunswick  towards  noon. 

This  town  stands  upon  the  bank  of  the  Raritan, 
60  miles  from  our  city,  and  being  so  nearly  central 
between  that  and  New  York,  is  fast  improving. — 
Dined  at  Drake's  Tavern,  and  then  went  forward  15 
miles  to  Rahway,  where  we  were  kindly  received  by 
our  friend  Hugh  Davids. 

This  day's  35  miles  ride  has  been  very  pleasant, 
over  a  champaign  country,  under  high  cultivation,  and 
the  land  in  general  productive.  At  one  place  we  had 
a  prospect  of  the  ocean  (near  Amboy),  which  was 
pleasing  to  my  son,  who  had  never  seen  the  sea  be- 
fore. Our  horses  performed  well,  and  we  were  not 
much  fatio;ued. 

^th  Day^  iSth. — Rested  well  this  night,  as  trav- 
ellers mostly  do,  when  they  have  good  beds  and  are 
in  health.  Attended  the  Week-day  Meeting  at  Rah- 
way. Afterwards  dined  at  our  lodging,  and  took  tea 
at  John  Shotwell's,  after  which  called  in  to  see  seve- 
ral friends,  and  so  went  home  to  our  quarters. 

6th  Da\\  2C)th. — Spent  this  dav  agreeably  with 
our  friends.  In  the  afternoon  went  over  to  tea  at 
James  Cox's,  who  is  partner  with  H.  Davids  in  the 
tannins;  business. 

'jth  Day^  i^oth. — Being  bound  for  New  York  to- 
day, we  were  stirring  betimes,  and  on  the  road  about 
5,  having  a  delightful  morning  ride  to  Elizabeth- 
town,  and  so  to  the  Point,  as  it  is  called,  where  we 
embarked. 

After  a  line  run  of  about  three  hours,  reached 
New  York  about  11,  and  were  cordially  received  by 


15 


i62  [yth  mo.  1st, 

our  kind  friend  Benjamin  Haviland  and  family,  where 
we  intended  to  quarter. 

The  distance  across  the  Bay  from  Elizabethtown 
Point  to  New  York  is  about  15  miles,  on  which  we 
have  a  variety  of  water  prospects,  which  were  new 
and  pleasing  to  my  son,  now  about  17,  in  the  bloom 
of  life,  and  favoured  with  health  and  good  natural 
faculties,  improved  (may  be  I  may  say,)  by  a  careful 
education. 

O  may  he,  in  his  future  stepping  through  the  dan- 
gerous wilderness  of  this  world,  prefer  those  things 
which  are  durable,  even  the  Divine  blessing,  which 
maketh  truly  rich,  above  all  other  considerations,  la- 
bouring earnestly  to  preserve  a  conscience  void  of 
offence,  both  towards  his  Maker,  and  those  whom  he 
must  necessarily  have  converse  with  in  his  progress 
through  life ;  steadily  eyeing  the  pointings  of  Truth 
in  his  own  breast,  so  may  his  best  interests  be  pre- 
served and  his  end  peaceful. 

1st  Day  J  1st  of  Seventh  month. — Attended  Meeting 
at  New  York.  Our  Friend  Richard  Titus  appeared 
in  Testimony.      Dined  at  our  lodgings. 

During  the  afternoon  Meeting  a  tornado  arose, 
which  was  very  awful  and  alarming,  and  occasioned 
the  loss  of  a  number  of  lives  on  the  water — several 
small  vessels  being  overset. 

2d  Day^  2d. — Newspaper  mentions  that  between 
20  and  30  persons  were  drowned  near  New  York  by 
the  storm  yesterday.  We  likewise  understand  that  it 
extended  a  considerable  distance  southward.  Our  son 
Caleb  rode  out  a  few  miles  on  York  Island.  Dined  at 
James  Parsons,  and  drank  tea  at  William  Shotwell's. 


1792.]  163 

'^d  Day^  3<^. — Walked  out  to  see  the  town  and 
markets.  Fish  is  to  be  had  here  in  great  perfection. 
Oysters  and  lobsters  also;  but  I  think  as  to  butcher's 
meat,  Philadelphia  exceeds.  Dined  at  Thomas  Dob- 
son's,  and  drank  tea  at  Thomas  Pearsall's. 

4//;  Day^  ^th. — A  rainy  morning.  Attended  their 
Week-day  Meeting,  where  Isaac  Underbill  appeared. 
Dined  at  John  Haydock's.  Received  some  agreea- 
ble accounts  from  home. 

By  our  dear  Johnny's  letter  we  are  informed  that 
the  storm  last  First-day  was  as  furious  at  our  city  as 
here,  and  blew  down  several  chimneys,  &c. 

Tea  at  Henry  Haydock's.  Got  our  horses  over 
the  ferry,  intending  a  little  excursion  on  Long  Island 
to-morrow. 

^th  Day^  ^th. — Crossed  over  the  East  river  about 
8  in  the  morning,  having  our  kind  friends  B.  Haviland 
and  Elizabeth  Haydock  in  company,  and  began  our 
little  tour  on  Long  Island. 

Passed  by  Jamaica,  and  so  to  Flushing,  and  near 
John  Bowne's  house  saw  the  two  large  oak  trees,  un- 
der which  George  Fox  preached  to  the  people  about 
the  year  1672  or  3.  They  are  nearly  of  one  size,  stand 
near  together,  and  both  look  in  a  vigorous  state,  and  I 
doubt  not  but  they  may  continue  many  years  to  come. 

About  noon  we  reached  Walter  Farrington's,  at 
Flushing,  where  we  dined.  In  the  afternoon  went 
to  see  the  entrance  into  the  little  harbour,  and  a  large 
garden  and  nurserv  belonging  to  William  Prince,  which 
we  were  informed  contained  about  8  acres. 

The  Meeting  House  stands  opposite  to  our  lodg- 
ings, where  the  Yearly  Meeting  was  formerly  held; 


164  [yth  ^^'  ^^^> 

but  the  House  being  damaged  in  the  time  of  the  Civil 
War,  it  is  now  held  at  Westbury. 

6th  Da).,  6th. — Set  off  about  7  in  the  morning, 
and  rode  down  to  the  sea-shore  at  a  place  called  Rock- 
away.  Had  an  open  view  of  the  ocean,  which  hap- 
pened to  be  very  calm. 

We  saw  some  bones  of  a  whale  which  came 
ashore  a  year  or  two  ago  at  that  place,  and  was  killed ; 
also,  the  remains  of  two  vessels  which  were  wrecked 
in  a  storm. 

Dined  at  Hicks'  Tavern,  when  we  proceeded  to- 
wards Westbury,  and  crossed  part  of  Hempsted  Plains, 
and  reached  William  Titus'  in  seasonable  time  in  the 
evening,  having  ridden  36  miles  to-day,  the  roads  be- 
ing very  good  and  the  prospects  pleasant. 

'jth  Day^  ph. — A  fine  morning.  After  dinner 
rode  through  Jericho  to  Edmund  Willis'  where  we 
lodged.  His  house  stands  so  high  that  'tis  said  ships 
at  sea  mav  be  seen  when  the  air  is  clear. 

1st  Day.,  Sth. — After  breakfast  we  left  Edmund 
Willis' and  went  to  Westbury  Meeting,  where  a  Friend 
I  did  not  know  appeared  in  Testimony  to  satisfaction. 

Dined  at  William  Titus'  md  afterwards  went 
over  to  Thomas  Seaman's,  whose  house  was  built  A. 
D.  1688.  He  is  a  venerable  old  man,  about  four- 
score, and  tho'  blind,  or  nearly  so,  walks  to  Meetings 
as  they  fall  in  course,  without  difficulty. 

id  Day.,  C)th. — Intended  for  New  York  this  morn- 
ing, but  were  prevented  from  setting  off  by  rain. — 
However,  it  cleared  away  about  noon,  and  we  got 
under  way.  We  again  rode  over  a  part  of  the  Plains 
by  Hempsted  Court  House,  so  to  Jamaica,  where  we 


1792.]  i65 

baited.  Then  went  on  for  New  York,  where  we  ar- 
rived in  good  time  in  the  evening. 

We  had  a  very  pleasant  ride  of  four  days  on  the 
Island,  though  I  was  a  good  deal  afflicted  with  the 
headache. 

"^d  Day^  lOth. — Made  a  little  excursion  about  the 
town.  Dined  at  our  lodgings,  and  drank  tea  at  Ann 
King's. 

\th  Day^  nth. — Had  further  advices  from  home 
by  our  son  Johnny.  Dined  at  Thomas  Mackeniss' 
and  spent  the  afternoon  at  John  Murray's.  Then 
called  in  at  William  Shotwell's,  and  several  other 
places. 

After  we  returned  to  our  quarters  several  friends 
kindly  called  to  take  their  leave  of  us,  we  intending 
to  set  off  homeward  to-morrow.  My  son  Caleb  went 
into  the  salt-water  bath,  which  is  reckoned  salutary 
at  this  season. 

^th  Day^  iith. — After  a  comfortable  night,  rose 
early,  and  having  ordered  our  horses,  and  taken  our 
leave  of  our  friends,  in  company  with  two  of  them, 
we  crossed  the  North  river  to  the  Jersey  shore,  and 
passed  through  a  little  town  called  Bergen. 

Then  over  Hackensack  and  Passaic  rivers,  through 
Newark,  the  most  considerable  town  hereaway. 

About  three  or  four  miles  of  this  road  we  were 
sadly  beset  with  the  green-headed  fly,  which  disturbed 
our  horses  exceedingly. 

Baited  at  Elizabethtown,  and  so  pursued  our  road 
to  Rah  way  (21  miles,)  where  we  arrived  about  noon, 
and  took  up  our  quarters  at  our  friend  Joseph  Shot- 
well's. 

15* 


i66  [yth  mo.  13th, 

6th  Day^  iT^th. — Dined  at  Hugh  David's.  Af- 
terwards paid  a  short  visit  at  Henry  Shotwell's  and 
Isaac  Martin's. 

'jth  Day^  i/\.th.  —  After  an  early  breakfast,  left 
Rahway,  Hugh  Davids  bearing  us  company  a  few 
miles.  At  Brunswick,  15  miles,  we  took  a  second 
breakfast. 

Dined  at  Slover's  Tavern,  and,  passing  through 
Kingstown  and  Princeton,  reached  Robert  White's  at 
Stony  Brook  in  the  evening,  and  were  kindly  wel- 
comed.     35  miles  this  day. 

1st  Day^  \^th. — Attended  Stony  Brook  Meeting. 
Afterwards  returned  to  our  lodging,  near  which  the 
battle  of  Princeton,  as  it  is  called  in  history,  during 
the  civil  war  between  Great  Britain  and  America  hap- 
pened. Here  General  Mercer,  Anthony  Morris  and 
many  others  fell.  We  were  shown  the  hole  where 
divers  of  them  were  interred. 

Our  kind  landlord  has  had  his  wrist,  two  ribs, 
thigh  and  leg  broken — all  of  his  left  side — and  yet  he 
remains  an  industrious  man  at  the  anvil,  being  a  black- 
smith. 

id  Day^  i6th. — Set  out  f^-om  Robert  White's 
pretty  early,  and  rode  to  Trenton,  where  we  baited, 
and  crossed  Delaware. 

We  proceeded  through  Bristol  to  Thomas  Stap- 
ler's, where  we  arrived  a  little  after  noon,  a  good  deal 
fatigued.  Here  we  were  kindly  received,  and  con- 
cluded to  stay  'til  next  day. 

2d  Day^  I'jth. — A  wet  morning,  which  prevented 
our  setting  off  early.  However,  as  it  broke  away 
about  noon,  we  took  the  road,  and  reached  our  habi- 


I792-]  ^^7 

tation  in  good  time.  We  have  been  favoured  with 
an  agreeable  journey  of  about  27  days,  without  meet- 
ing with  any  material  cross  occurrence,  for  which  we 
were  thankful  to  the  Great  Preserver,  whose  providen- 
tial support  we  had  experienced  in  this  little  journey 
throughout. 

^th  Day^  iSth. — 5^/>  Day^  igth. — 6th  Day^  20th. 
— 'jth  Day^  21st. — Found  various  employment  in  ad- 
justing my  domestic  concerns,  which  I  do  not  find 
have  suffered  by  my  absence. 

jst  Day^  22d. — Was  poorly  part  of  the  day,  but 
attended  two  Meetings. 

2d  Day^  23^. — Summoned  on  a  jury,  but  did  go. 
Expect  to  be  fined.  Afternoon  was  much  employed  ; 
I  hope  not  unprofitably. 

Wet  weather  and  growing.  Doubtless  advan- 
tageous for  the  cultivators  of  the  soil,  whose  comfort 
and  happiness  as  to  outward  things  very  much  .depend 
on  its  produce  and  increase,  and  indeed  of  us  also  who 
are  citizens,  as  our  interests  in  some  respects  are  in- 
timately blended  together.    . 

3^  Day^  2\th. — A  wet  morning.  Found  em- 
ployment about  my  building.  Attended  Monthly 
Meeting,  which  was  weighty  and  satisfactory. 

^th  Day^  2^th. — Poorly,  with  my  usual  complaint, 
but  kept  about  with  some  difficulty. 

K^th  Day^  26th. — Much  engaged  through  the  day, 
looking  after  my  workmen. 

6th  Day^  2']th. — Taken  up  as  yesterday,  and  was 
favoured  to  get  through  some  difficulties  by  persever- 
ance and  industry. 


1 68  [7th  mo.  28th, 

ph  Day^  iSth. — A  busy  day  in  various  respects. 
Was  thankful  that  my  health  was  preserved  through 
it  all.     Wet  towards  evening. 

1st  Day^  ic)th. — Attended  morning  and  afternoon 
Meetings.  Evening  wrote  a  letter  to  one  of  our  kind 
friends  at  New  York. 

2d  Day^  '^oth. —  Had  a  variety  of  concerns  on 
hand,  which  kept  me  mostly  on  the  move  through 
the  day. 

3^  Day^  2,1st. — Adjournment  of  Montly  Meet- 
ing, which  concluded  at  two  sittings.  Our  Friend 
John  Simpson  had  a  marvellous  time.  He  appears 
strong  in  the  best  sense,  though  with  truth  it  may  be 
said  has,  as  it  were,  been  raised  from  the  stones  of  the 
street. 

He  has  lately  been  twelve  months  on  a  religious 
errand  to  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia. 

Our  aged  Mother  Elliott  came  to  pass  a  few  days 
with  us;  also  Sister  Gray. 

^th  Day^  ist  of  Eighth  month. — Some  encumber- 
ing affairs  kept  me  busy,  but  by  perseverance  and  in- 
dustry (which  sometimes  accomplish  great  things,) 
I  got  along. 

Captain  Needham,  from  Salem,  New  England, 
arrived.  Our  little  friend  Alice  did  not  come  as  ex- 
pected. 

^th  Day^  2d. — At  High  Street  House,  our  Friend 
John  Simpson  was  truly  eminent.  His  subject,  love 
and  unity.  What  better  theme  could  behave  spoken 
upon  ? 

Brother  Samuel  Elliott,  and  his  daughter  Anna- 
bella,  came  to  town  from  Maryland,  and  lodge  with  us. 


1792.]  1^9 

6th  Day^  3^. — Taken  up  with  worldly  matters. 
Six  or  eight  friends  dined  with  us.  Weather  fine  for 
the  season. 

'jth  Day^  \th. — Much  engaged  in  the  muck  of 
the  earth.  I  have  sometimes,  yea,  often,  thought  it 
was  well  that  the  law  or  custom  of  the  land  appropri- 
ated one  day  in  seven  to  rest  and  religious  purposes, 
that  so  mankind,  as  well  as  the  lower  orders  of  crea- 
tion, might  renew  their  strength  by  a  necessary  relax- 
ation from  labour. 

\st  Day^  ^th. — Attended  two  Meetings.  In  the 
evening  wrote  a  letter  to  a  kind  friend  at  Nantucket. 

2d  Day^  6th. — Quarterly  Meeting,  where  I  sat 
six  hours  or  more,  and  found  mv  weak  frame  much 
worn  down.  Was  glad  I  had  a  house  to  entertain  my 
friends. 

3^  Day^  "jth. — Youth's  Meeting,  but  found  my- 
self excused  from  being  there,  as  I  had  been  at  a  com- 
mittee from  8  to  10. 

\th  Day^  Stb. — Many  engagements  on  hand, 
which  fatigued  me  much,  weather  being  warm. 

Sth  Day^  gth. —  Employed  as  yesterday.  The 
sun  truly  powerful.      This  may  be  called  hot  indeed. 

6th  Day,  lOth. — Heat  continues  by  far  the  most 
intense  1  think  this  summer.  I  pity  the  poor  labour- 
ers employed  among  the  lime,  &c.  We  hear  of  sev- 
eral sudden  deaths. 

'Jth  Day,  nth. — The  third  extremely  hot  day  this 
spell,  so  that  I  could  do  but  little. 

1st  Day,  i2th. — At  morning  Meeting,  William 
Savery  and  George  Dillwyn  appeared.  What  a  favour 
it  is  to  be  preserved  in  tolerable  health  at  such  a  sea- 


170  [8th  mo.  13th, 

son,  when  the  sun  seems  to  pour  his  hottest  rays  upon 
the  ball  of  our  earth. 

2d  Day^  13^^- — Still  preserved  in  health  and  spi- 
rits, so  as  to  proceed  in  conducting  my  outward  affairs 
towards  the  desired  end. 

O  that  I  may  not  lose  sight  or  be  slack  in  the 
most  important  of  all  concerns,  as  we  know  not  the 
day  or  hour  when  the  awful  summons  may  be  sent  to 
our  habitations. 

3^  Day^  i^th. — At  Week-day  Meeting,  which 
was  a  favoured  time,  G.  D.  and  W.  S.  both  appear- 
ing in  Testimony.     Went  home  in  a  shower  of  rain. 

Dined,  with  my  dear  wife  and  children,  at  bro- 
ther John's,  with  Brother  Samuel  Elliott.  Afternoon 
to  see  a  friend  or  two,  who  were  indisposed. 

^th  Day^  15^^-  —  Engaged  about  the  odds  and 
ends,  gathering  up  the  fragments.  Johnny  went  to 
Stony  Brook,  with  Ebenezer  Cresson. 

^th  Day^  i6th. — A  beautiful,  fine  morning.  Rose 
before  the  sun,  and  was  ready  at  all  points  for  my 
workmen.  Nothing  like  taking  time  by  the  forelock, 
according  to  the  common  saying. 

()th  Day^  I'jth. — Very  busy.  O  that  I  may  not 
omit  a  proper  attention  to  the  most  important  of  all 
business. 

'jth  Day^  iSth. — Warm,  very  warm,  and  relaxing 
to  weak  habits  like  mine. 

1st  Day^  i()th. — Thrice  at  Meeting.  Am  not 
easy  to  omit  them  when  in  tolerable  health,  as  we 
know  not  when  we  may  be  called  away. 

Many  sudden  removals  happening  about  this  time. 
Benjamin  Penington  was  one  of  them,  who  I  hope 


179--]  ^7^ 

through  infinite  mercy  is  centered  in  peace,  his  cup  of 
suffering  for  misspent  time  in  his  latter  moments  be- 
ing very  great. 

O  that  the  youth  may  prize  their  precious  time, 
and  in  the  morning  of  their  days  give  up  their  names 
to  the  service  of  their  Maker. 

2d  Day\,  20th. — 3^  X)^)',  2ist. —  Much  fatigued 
with  worldly  cares  and  concerns.  My  children  prob- 
ably will  have  but  little  idea  of  the  solicitudes  I  have 
passed  through  for  their  ease  and  benefit,  both  as  to 
things  outward  and  inward. 

^th  Day.^  22d. — Had  the  headache  in  the  evening, 
and  retired  to  bed  early. 

^th  Day.,  2^d. — Had  a  sore  night  with  my  disor- 
der. Did  not  attend  Meeting,  being  too  poorly. — 
Pleasant,  moderate  weather. 

6th  Day.,  2\th. — Rain  in  the  morning;  very  ac- 
ceptable to  the  languishing  creation.  Afternoon  va- 
riously employed. 

'jth  Day^  ^'^th. — More  rain  in  the  night,  which 
was  an  addition  to  yesterday's  blessing.  Was  not 
idle  this  day,  and  felt  a  good  deal  worn  down  when 
night  came.  My  son  Johnny  went  in  the  stage-boat 
to  Burlington  Quarterly  Meeting. 

\st  Day.,  26th. — Weather  very  agreeable.  At- 
tended three  Meetings,  but  found  in  the  evening  I  had 
made  too  free  with  the  cool  air,  tho'  pleasant,  having 
a  hard  fit  of  pain  in  my  face  which  held  me  the  great- 
est part  of  the  night. 

2d  Day.,  2ph. — Towards  morning  the  pain  grew 
easier,  so  I  rose  with  or  before  the  great  luminary, 
and  did  what  I  could  through  the  day.      Evening  cool, 


172  [8th  mo.  28th, 

which  made  me  careful   I  did  not  expose  myself  un- 
necessarily. 

3^  Day^  ^%th.—Owx  Monthly  Meeting,  which  con- 
cluded at  one  sitting,  an  uncommon  thing  of  later  years. 

\th  Day^  2()th. — Rose  early,  and  did  a  good  deal 
of  what  I  call  business,  in  my  private  way.  I  find 
labour,  in  a  moderate  degree,  truly  useful  to  my  health 
and  mental  powers. 

Yet  I  know  a  care  is  necessary  that  it  be  not  ex- 
tended beyond  the  strength  of  my  weak  frame,  for  if 
so,  experience  has  taught  me  that  the  effect  is  the 
reverse. 

5//;  Day^  2^tb. — Did  not  attend  A4eeting,  as  I 
apprehended  I  might  be  excused.  Tiled  several 
chimneys  in  my  new  tenements. 

6th  Day^  31^/. — Tiled  two  more  chimneys  in  the 
morning.  Afternoon,  went  with  my  dear  wife  to  see 
Nicholas  Wain  and  wife,  at  their  country-seat  near 
Frankford. 

']th  Day^  ist  of  Ninth  month. — Finished  tiling  the 
new  house  chimneys,  eight  in  all.  The  plasterers 
also  finished  their  work,  and  we  got  it  measured. 

1st  Day^  id. — Sick  to-day  with  my  common  com- 
plaint, so  that  I  could  not  attend  Meeting  as  usual, 
which  was  a  cross.  Better  towards  evening,  though 
much  weakened  and  worn  with  pain  and  retching. 

Our  pilgrimage  through  this  dark  vale  is-  much 
checkered  with  afirlictions  of  one  sort  or  another,  but 
if  it  only  extends  to  the  body,  through  Divine  aid,  it 
may  be  borne.  But  when  the  mind  is  defiled  with 
sin,  and  the  conscience  wounded,  the  poor  soul  sinks, 
as  it  were,  in  deep  waters. 


1792.]  173 

0  the  happy  situation  of  those  who  by  purity  and 
faithfulness  make  the  Lord  their  friend,  and  feel  His 
Holy  Spirit  to  speak  peace  in  hours  of  bodily  distress. 

These  look  through  present  afflictions,  which  are 
but  momentary,  to  things  which  are  invisible,  trusting 
in  His  mercy,  that  at  the  final  close  of  all  things  here 
below,  they  shall,  through  adorable  goodness,  be  ac- 
cepted in  the  beloved. 

id  Day^  3^. — But  poorly  to-day. 

3^  Day^  \th. — Well  enough  to  attend  Meeting, 
which  I  hope  was  in  some  degree  profitable,  remark- 
able Ministerial  labour  being  bestowed  in  good  au- 
thority. 

1  wish  to  take  my  full  share  of  the  advice  given, 
and  endeavour  to  be  in  readiness  for  the  all-important 
final  summons,  more  especially  directed  to  those  who 
were  advanced  beyond  the  meridian  of  life,  and  who 
had  not  sufficiently  directed  their  strength  and  talents 
to  the  most  momentous  of  all  concerns. 

\th  Day^  ^th. — Diligence  and  industry  enabled 
me  to  close  this  day  to  satisfaction.  How  invaluable 
is  time.  Let  it  not  pass,  my  dear  children,  without 
improvement.  What  would  some  poor  souls  give  for 
another  year — yea,  for  a  month,  or  even  an  hour? 

^th  Day^  6th, — Settled  with  and  paid  several  of 
my  workmen,  without  any  jar  or  difference.  Trou- 
ble is  often  prevented  by  making  a  clear  bargain  in  the 
outset,  and  it  is  best  to  be  done  in  writing.  I  recom- 
mend this  precaution  to  my  dear  children  in  their  fu- 
ture stepping  through  life. 

6th  Day^  qth. — 'jth  Day^  Sth. — Did  some  hard 
work  for  my  feeble  frame,  which  however,  I  hope. 


16 


174  [9^^  "^^-  9^^i 

did  me  no  harm,  as  I  find  moderate  exercise,  and  even 
sometimes  what  may  be  called  labour,  to  be  better 
than  physic,  tho'  I  take  a  little  of  that  sometimes: — 
one  or  two  of  Anderson's  pills,  or  a  teaspoonful  or 
two  of  Elixir  proprietatis.     John  Payne  deceased. 

1st  Day^()th. — Attended  two  Meetings  and  John 
Payne's  funeral. 

2d  Day ^  loth. — Much  engaged. 

3^  Day^  nth, — Preparative  Meeting. 

^th  Day^  I2th. — Indisposed  with  headache  most 
of  the  day. 

^th  Day^  ^V^- — Pretty  well  again,  and  found 
enough  to  do,  which  I  esteem  a  favour,  for  there  is 
hardly  anything  more  tiresome  than  idleness,  but  there 
are  few  that  need  be  so,  if  they  are  properly  exertive. 

^th  Day^  i^th. — A  hard  day  for  my  strength. 

jth  Day,  i^th. — Not  much  rest  for  body  or  spirit. 
Perhaps  some  who  read  this  may  think  I  am  like  a 
man  running  a  race :  and  so  I  truly  am,  and  so  are 
you,  my  dear  friends — a  race  from  time  to  eternity — 
an  important  one  indeed. 

Let  us,  then,  cast  off  every  weight  and  burden 
which  impedes  us  in  our  progress,  and  as  we  run  let 
us  pray  for  patience,  which  we  cannot  well  do  with- 
out. Patience,  that  most  excellent  virtue,  which  en- 
ables us  to  surmount  many  difficulties,  and  avoid  many 
evils,  which,  without  its  aid,  would  most  surely  beset 
us  in  our  passage. 

But  above  all,  let  us  get  the  shield  of  faith — a 
firm  and  humble  trust  in  the  Divine  sufficiency.  But 
this  we  cannot  obtain  without  a  good  conscience.  O 
may  we  then  betake  ourselves  to  prayer,  and  a  watch- 


1792.]  175 

ful,  circumspect  attention  to  revealed  duties,  and  then 
Merciful  Goodness,  who  cares  for  even  the  sparrou^, 
will  enable  us  to  step  along  through  the  various  beset- 
ments  attendant  on  human  life,  and  in  the  end,  if  we 
keep  our  integrity,  crown  us  with  victory  over  all  our 
soul's  enemies. 

1st  Day^  i6th. — A  calm,  quiet  day,  which  af- 
forded some  refreshment.  Rain  in  the  afternoon — 
truly  acceptable  to  the  parched  earth. 

2d  Day ^  i']th. — A  fine,  soaking  rain  in  the  night. 
The  clouds  broke  away  about  noon.  Four  tenants 
entered  my  four  small  new  buildings,  which  I  have 
put  up  this  summer. 

Polly  Compton  died  last  night,  after  a  long  time 
of  weakness.     She  was  Hannah  Cathrall's  sister. 

i^dDay^  \%th. — Our  Monthly  Meeting  day,  which 
concluded  at  one  sitting,  tho' trying  to  some  weaklings 
like  myself.  We  hear  of  the  decease  of  Ezekiel  Cow- 
gill,  a  useful  Friend  of  the  Southern  Quarter,  about 
Little  Creek. 

\th  Day^  i()th. — Was  favoured  to  feel  better  than 
common  in  health,  for  which  thankfulness  covered  my 
mind.  Having  been  so  exertive  through  the  summer, 
I  scarcely  expected  it  to  pass  without  being  laid  up 
with  something  or  other.  The  Lord  is  merciful,  or 
we  could  not  stand. 

^th  Day^  loth. — ^  Finished  some  small  matters 
which  were  not  quite  complete,  about  my  new  houses, 
and  did  some  errands  preparatory  to  the  approaching 
Yearly  Meeting.  A  number  of  Friends,  I  hear,  are 
come  from  New  York  to  this  city  to  attend  the  Meet- 
ing. 


176  [gth  mo.  2 1  St, 

6th  Day^  list, — Was  employed  in  divers  neces- 
sary matters. 

'fth  Day^  22^. — Several  Friends  came  to  quarter 
at  our  house.  Had  something  of  my  common  disorder 
the  latter  part  of  the  day  and  in  the  night. 

It  is  a  blessed  thing  to  have  an  approving  con- 
science. How  sovereign  an  antidote  against  the  ills 
of  life. 

If  we  can  but  get  to  resignation  to  the  Divine 
will,  and  truly  believe  that  portion  of  Holy  Writ,  that 
He  numbers  the  hair  of  our  heads,  clothes  the  lilies, 
and  feeds  the  ravens,  what  confidence  it  inspires  in 
the  Providential  care  of  our  Heavenly  Father. 

1st  Day^  23^. —  At  three  sittings  at  our  North 
Meeting  House,  which  were  favoured,  particularly 
the  first. 

2d  Day^  i\th. — This  day  our  Yearly  Meeting 
for  business  began,  and  being  desired  to  act  as  Assis- 
tant Clerk  to  Nicholas  Wain,  was  much  taken  up  in 
that  service  during  the  course  of  the  week,  and  in  at- 
tention to  my  friends,  having  many  at  our  house. 

At  this  Meeting  Rules  of  Discipline  were  made 
to  authorize  Monthly  Meetings  to  disown  such  parents, 
guardians,  &c.  as  consent  to  or  connive  at  their  chil- 
dren's marriages  out  of  the  order  of  Truth. 

Also,  to  proceed  in  the  same  manner  in  cases 
where  members  deviate  into  the  extravagant  customs 
and  fashions  of  the  world  in  their  dress,  address,  &c. 

Likewise,  a  rule  for  the  regulation  of  removals, 
which  has  long  been  wanting. 

And  further  regulations  respecting  interments  of 
deceased  Friends,  &c. 


1792.]  177 

1st  Day^  -^oth. — Was  afflicted  with  the  headache, 
but  made  shift  to  do  some  writing  for  the  Meetings 
which  was  to  be  dispatched  early.  There  is  always 
a  reward  for  every  service  in  the  great  cause  of  Right- 
eousness. 

2d  Day ^  \st  of  Tenth  month. — Better  to-day  of  my 
disorder.  My  son  Johnny  set  off  with  Eliza  Lang- 
dale,  in  order  to  visit  her  sister  about  Duck  Creek — 
she  having  lately  lost  her  husband,  who  was  drowned. 

In  the  evening  it  set  in  for  rain,  and  proved  a  wet 
night. 

3<^  Day.^  2d. — Attended  our  Week-day  Meeting. 
A  very  cool  day. 

^th  Day^  -^d. — A  large  white  frost  this  morning. 
Busily  employed  most  of  the  day,  and  weary  when  the 
evening  came. 

Life  is  short  at  the  longest,  compared  with  never- 
ending  eternity.  It  is  strown  thick  with  afflictions  of 
one  sort  or  other,  while  the  comforts  and  pleasures 
thereof  are  few  in  reality,  and  generally  of  very  short 
continuance. 

So  that  there  is  nothing  worth  setting  our  hearts 
upon  but  God,  and  nothing  deserving  of  our  unremit- 
ting pursuit  but  His  favour,  peace  and  acceptance  in 
the  awful  hour  of  death,  that  swiftly  hastens  upon  all 
flesh.  ^^Jll  flesh  is  grass^  and  all  the  goodltness  thereof 
is  as  the  foiver  of  the  field. "^ 

Sth  Day.^  \th. — At  High  Street  Meeting.  Not 
very  well  to-day,  tho'  I  made  out  to  see  after  some 
concerns  of  a  domestic  kind.      Weather  pleasant. 

6^/?  Day.^  ^th. — Poorly  in  health.     May  I  improve 

these  frequent  intimations  that  ^''here  we  have  no  con- 

16* 


178  [loth  mo.  6th, 

tinuing  city^^  for  this  poor  tabernacle  is  evidently  moul- 
dering down  to  its  original.  To  be  ready,  then,  for 
the  solemn  close,  is  greatest  wisdom. 

Brother  Samuel  Elliott  came  to  town  about  noon. 
By  him  we  hear  of  the  departure  of  Hannah,  wife  of 
Elisha  Hopkins,  in  child-bed  of  her  twelfth  child. — 
An  afflicting  stroke  to  her  near  connections. 

She  was  an  innocent,  virtuous,  amiable  woman, 
under  32,  and  I  doubt  not  has  exchanged  a  dark  vale 
of  tears  for  endless  peace  and  joy. 

May  we  who  yet  remain  to  tread  the  dreary  path 
of  Hfe  experience  a  like  happy  conclusion  when  our 
days  are  finished,  is  my  earnest  prayer. 

•^th  Day^  6th. — Was  troubled  with  a  pain  in  my 
back,  proceeding,  I  believe,  from  cold,  so  that  I  \/as 
mostly  confined  to  the  house.  \ 

1st  Day^  'jth. — With  some  difficulty  I  got  to  tw^ 
Meetings,  in  a  good  deal  of  pain.  We  hear  of  the 
safe  arrival  at  Liverpool  of  our  friends  M.  Ridgway 
and  Jane  Watson,  Samuel  Emlen  and  Sarah  Harrison, 
after  a  fine  passage  of  thirty  days. 

Thus  the  devoted  servants  are  engaged  to  go  to 
and  fro,  that  the  people  may  be  prevailed  upon  to  at- 
tend to  their  most  important  interests. 

As  some  have  so  great  a  portion  of  labour  and 
exercise,  both  of  body  and  mind  to  encounter,  both 
by  sea  and  land,  it  ought  to  be  an  incitement  to  us 
who  are  privileged  to  continue  in  our  ceiled  houses, 
to  be  diligent  to  perform  the  share  of  service  allotted 

to  us. 

2d  Day^  %th. — Continued  poorly,  but  found  em- 
ployment in  writing  Extracts  for  the  Meeting.     'Tis 


I792-]  ^79 

best  to  be  doing  something,  being  profitable  for  mind 
as  well  as  body. 

We  hear  of  the  decease  of  our  antient  Friend 
Thomas  Carlton,  of  Kennet.  He  lived  to  the  age 
of  about  94.  His  faculties  failed — so  much  so  that 
he  scarce  knew  any  of  his  friends,  and  his  memory 
was  almost  wholly  gone. 

He  had  been  a  lively  Minister,  of  peaceable, 
blameless  conversation,  so  that  there  is  just  ground 
to  hope  and  believe  he  hath  made  a  happy  exchange. 

3^  Day^  ()th. — Attended  Week-day  Meeting  in 
course,  tho'  somewhat  unwell. 

^th  Day^  10th. — ^thDay^  i  ith. — Continued  poor- 
ly, tho'  not  so  much  amiss  as  to  be  wholly  confined 
to  the  house. 

Had  several  of  our  New  England  Friends  to  dine, 
by  whom  we  hear  of  the  decease  of  our  kind  friend 
Grifiith  Barney,  of  Boston,  where  Thomas  Scatter- 
good  and  I  quartered  when  there  last  summer. 

6th  Day^  12th. — A  lowering  morning,  which  pro- 
duced rain  after  dinner.  This  made  me  think  of  my 
son  Johnny,  who  is  probably  now  at  Duck  Creek — 
but  I  hope  he  will  not  ride  in  the  wet. 

Several  New  York  Friends  set  off^  for  that  place. 
I  think  they  will  have  but  an  unpleasant  time. 

Continued  poorly,  with  pain  in  my  back,  &c., 
tho'  I  read  and  wrote  as  usual,  not  being  fit  for  much 

else. 

']th  Day^  13^^'  —  Much  rain  in  the  night,  and 
very  blustering  and  stormy.  Cleared  away  about 
noon,  and  was  pleasant.  Captain  Needham  arrived 
from  Salem. 


i8o  [loth  mo.  14th, 

jst  Day^  I4.th. — Attended  two  Meetings,  though 
poorly.     David  Sands  in  town. 

2d  Day ^  i^th. — Rain  this  morning.  Afternoon 
brother  Samuel  set  ofF  for  home,  and  our  son  John 
returned  from  Duck  Creek,  having  been  absent  about 

two  weeks. 

I  have  employed  these  several  days  in  writing 

Extracts,  &c. 

3^  Day^  16th. — At  Week-day  Meeting, — after 
which  was  held  the  Preparative  Meeting.  Afternoon 
engaged  in  writing. 

^th  Day^  I'jth, — Beautiful  weather — mild,  clear 
and  wholesome. 

^th  Day^  iSth. — At  High  Street  Meeting,  where 
Isaac  Cox  and  Rebecca  Shoemaker  were  married. — 
David  Sands  exercised  his  gift  to  the  comfort  of  the 
audience. 

Afternoon,  attended  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings, 
by  appointment  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  which  sat 
about  four  hours  on  a  subject  of  weight. 

6th  Day^  igtb. — Again  at  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings, which  sat  again  about  four  hours,  and  then  re- 
ferred the  business  over  to  next  month. 

Forwarded  several  copies  of  the  Extracts,  which 
I  had  been  some  time  preparing,  they  being  long  this 
year. 

jth  Day^  20th. — Walked  about  a  good  deal,  and 
found  myself  weary  when  night  came.  I  desire  to  be 
grateful  for  the  tolerable  health  I  enjoy  at  present, 
and  that  so  great  a  blessing  is  continued  to  my  family. 

1st  Day^  2ist. — At  three  Meetings.  At  morn- 
ing and  evening   Meetings  our   Friend   David   Sands 


1792.]  i8i 

was  eminently  assisted  in  the  exercise  of  his  Ministry, 
particularly  in  the  latter; — ^''Mark  the  perfect  mariy 
and  behold  the  upright -,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace^^ 
being  his  subject,  from  which  he  raised  sound  and  in- 
structive doctrine. 

idDay^lld. — Employed  writing  forthe  Meeting. 

3^  Day^  23<^. — At  Monthly  Meeting,  which  held 
late. 

\th  Day^  i^th. — A  sick  day,  which  rendered  me 

nearly  useless. 

$th  Day^  2^th. — Somewhat  better.     Made  some 

progress  in  writing  for  the  Society.     Weather  fine. 

Had  some  New  England  Friends  in  the  evening. — 

Retired  satisfied  in  having  done  what  I  could. 

()th  Day^  26th. — Being  up  before  the  bright  source 
of  day,  I  saw  the  most  beautiful  morning  dawn. — 
Quietness  and  retirement  has  a  happy  tendency  to 
sweeten  the  mind,  and  enable  us  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  life. 

Laboured  through  the  day  in  several  engagements, 
and  so  retired,  beholding  all  mutable  things  as  pass- 
ing clouds,  which  now  appear,  and  then  are  no  more 
seen — fit  emblems  of  worldly  things,  which  are  in- 
deed transient,  fleeting  and  changeable,  perishing  with 
the  using. 

May  I  then  lay  hold  on  the  substance,  and  keep 
an  eye  to  those  durable  riches  which  fade  not  neither 
perish  with  the  using. 

Strengthen  our  faith,  O  Lord,  in  thy  Divine  suf- 
ficiency, and  afford  us  thy  grace,  to  make  our  passage 
through  a  world  of  snares  and  pits,  unto  thy  Heavenly 
Kingdom.     Went  to  see  a  sick  friend. 


i82  [loth  mo.  27th, 

']th  Day^  I'jih. — Was  busied  writing  for  the  Meet- 
ing. Our  Friend  David  Sands  paid  an  acceptable  visit 
to  our  family,  and  spent  great  part  of  the  day  with  us, 
having  a  comfortable  sitting. 

He  mentioned  his  sense,  or  prospect,  that  though 
a  stranger,  he  had  to  believe  some  present  had  had  to 
travel  through  a  large  share  of  trouble  and  exercise, 
and  many  strait  passes,  yet  under  and  through  all  the 
Divine  Hand  had  supported. 

Addressing  himself  to  our  sons  who  had  been 
spared  to  us,  he  said  he  had  to  remember  Jacob's  bless- 
ing, wherewith  he  blessed  the  sons  of  Joseph,  '•'-God^ 
before  whom  ?ny  fathers  Abraham  and  Isaac  did  walk^ 
the  God  which  Jed  me  all  my  life  long  unto  this  day^  the 
Angel  which  redeemed  me  from  all  evil^  bless  the  lads.^^ 

And  he  had  no  doubt  this  most  valuable  of  bless- 
ings was  in  store  for  them,  if  they  dwelt  in  the  holy 
fear  of  the  Divine  Name,  and  followed  the  counsel  of 
Truth,  as  it  was  gradually  unfolded  in  the  secret  of 
their  own  hearts. 

With  much  more,  by  way  of  caution  and  en- 
couragement to  the  parents  and  to  the  children.  He 
seemed  to  be  affectionately  united  to  us,  and  to  be 
feelingly  interested  in  our  welfare. 

1st  Day^  I'^th. — At  Meeting.  Called  to  see  a 
sick  friend  or  two.  Had  several  to  dine  and  drink 
tea  with  us. 

2d  Day^  2()th. — Mother  Elliott  and  Sister  Gray 
came  to  spend  a  few  days  with  us.  Heard  of  the 
welfare  of  our  friend  and  Cousin  Thomas  Scatter- 
good,  now  on  his  religious  visit  to  the  Carolinas  and 
Georgia. 


179^.]  i83 

3^  Day^  '^Qth. — At  Meeting,  where  David  Sands 
had  some  service. 

We  hear  of  the  decease  of  Richard  Shackleton, 
an  eminent  Friend,  of  Ireland. 

Also,  of  great  tumults  and  bloodshed  in  France, 
on  account  of  the  late  revolution  in  their  political  gov- 
ernment. Also,  of  the  endeavours  of  several  of  the 
European  powers  to  crush  the  new  Constitution  lately- 
adopted  by  the  National  Assembly;  as  the  Assembly 
deposed  the  king,  and  put  the  royal  family  in  confine- 
ment. 

^th  Day^  T^ist — Was  mostly  within  doors,  part  of 
the  day  being  wet. 

^th  Day^  ist  of  Eleventh  month. — At  Meeting  Da- 
vid Sands  was  favoured  in  Testimony  and  prayer. — 
Several  others  also  appeared.  Afternoon,  employed 
in  writing,  &c. 

6th  Day^  id. — Finished  my  writing  for  the  Meet- 
ing, which  afforded  satisfaction.  Every  little  service 
and  labour  of  love  has  its  reward,  (if  it  be  done  from 
right  motives,)  in  the  secret  of  our  own  minds — for 
there  is  the  place  to  receive  true  comfort. 

The  world,  or  those  who  are  in  its  spirit,  are  not 
worth  consulting.  They  can  do  us  no  good  in  the 
hour  of  exigency. 

The  tribunal  of  our  own  conscience  must  deter- 
mine what  is  right  or  wrong  as  to  ourselves,  and  to 
this  I  would  recommend  my  dear  children — for  if  our 
own  hearts  do  not  approve  our  deeds,  God  is  greater, 
and  will  condemn  them  also. 

Let  us,  therefore,  ^^  stand  in  awe^  and  sin  not.^^ 
Otherwise,  we  shall  be  sensible  of  His  judgments — 


184  [nth  mo.  3d, 

which  will  be  heavier  than  the  human  mind  can  bear. 
^''The  spirit  of  a  man  will  sustain  his  infirmity'^  of  body ; 
he  may  writhe  under  sickness  and  pain ;  he  may  com- 
bat with  outward  crosses,  disappointments  and  afflic- 
tions, ^^hut  a  wounded  conscience,  who  can  bear?" 

Solomon  calls  it  "^  wounded  spirit."  He  had 
reason,  doubtless,  so  to  speak.  He  had  felt  the  in- 
dignation of  the  Highest  for  his  transgressions,  and 
spoke  from  the  best  authority — experience. 

The  disturbance  in  France,  on  account  of  the 
revolution  in  their  government,  and  the  bloodshed  at- 
tending and  likely  to  increase,  is  great  cause  of  regret 
and  sorrow  to  the  Christian  mind. 

May  the  Almighty,  if  it  be  His  Holy  Will,  dis- 
pose their  hearts  to  peace  and  harmony. 

•jth  Day^  3^. — Attended  a  Committee  of  the 
Quarterly  Meeting.  Called  to  see  James  Needham, 
who  has  been  much  indisposed  some  time — his  bro- 
ther having  sailed  to  New  England  without  him — 
which  is  a  considerable  trial. 

Felt  better  to-day  than  usual,  for  which  I  desire 
to  be  thankful  to  the  Great  Dispenser  of  benefits. 

1st  Day^  \th. — Thrice  at  Meeting.  In  the  even- 
ing David  Sands  was  truly  eminent  on  this  subject: 
^''Keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace" 

id  Day^  $th. — Our  Quarterly  Meeting,  which 
was  conducted  to  satisfaction,  and  concluded  at  two 
sittings.  David  Sands  dined  v^^ith  us,  and  several  other 
Friends. 

If  we  think  we  see  little  weaknesses  and  failings 
in  any,  let  us  be  cautious  of  judging,  but  look  rather 
to  the  good  in  all.     Being  sensible  of  our  own  im- 


1792.]  i85 

perfections,  let  us  be  especially  careful  of  censuring 
those  of  others,  for  there  is  an  infallible  Judge  that 
will  do  right. 

3^/  Day^  6th. — Attended  a  Committee  at  eight, 
and  felt  too  much  spent  to  be  at  the  Youth's  Meet- 
ing, to  which  all  our  young  folks  went. 

^th  Day^  jth. — Mother  Elliott  and  Sister  Gray 
returned  to  their  usual  home  at  Brother  John's,  and 
my  dear  wife  and  self  went  in  our  chaise  to  Samuel 
Wilson's,  about  8  miles,  in  order  to  attend  Abington 
Quarterly  Meeting  to-morrow.  We  had  but  a  cold 
ride- — the  weather  indicatino;  rain. 

^th  Day^  Sth. — Attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
at  Abington,  where  was  a  very  large  collection  of 
Friends,  and  a  number  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Com- 
mittee.     It  did  not  conclude  'til  near  five. 

We  just  got  in  at  Solomon  Miller's,  (about  a 
mile  from  the  Meeting  House,)  about  dusk,  where 
we  were  well  entertained,  and  lodged  in  comfortable 
accommodations. 

6th  Day^  c)th. — Attended  the  Youth's  Meeting, 
where  H.  Longstreth  and  Benjamin  Clark  had  the 
principal  service,  and  James  Cresson  prayed. 

It  rained  heavily  when  the  Meeting  concluded, 
and  we  rode  through  it  to  Oliver  Wilson's,  where  we 
dined  with  several  other  Friends.  Then  proceeded 
home,  through  deep  and  miry  roads,  and  reached  our 
habitation  about  the  shutting  in  of  the  evening,  and, 
although  the  weather  was  not  pleasant,  we  had  no 
cause  to  regret  our  excursion. 

I  reckon  this  to  be  my  birth-day,  on  which  I  have 
completed  my  fiftieth  year.     Awful  it  is  to  consider 


i86  [nth  mo.  9th, 

that  hitherto  the  Divine  Hand  hath  been  near  and  helped 
— preserving  me  through  the  slippery  paths  of  youth. 

At  an  early  age  I  was  left  destitute  of  natural  pa- 
rents to  watch  over  and  guard  my  inexperienced  years, 
when  so  many  temptations  abound,  and  so  little  judg- 
ment is  formed  to  direct  our  movements. 

This  is  the  critical  time,  when  the  mind  is  so 
subject  to  be  influenced  by  a  wrong  bias,  and  thereby 
be  drawn  into  a  labyrinth  of  error,  from  which  'tis  ex- 
ceeding difficult  to  recede  or  draw  back. 

Multitudes  of  objects  and  presentations  occur  to 
the  senses,  which  are  considered  (at  that  age,)  as  desira- 
ble, but  which,  being  brought  to  the  standard  of  ex- 
perience and  realized,  are  found  to  be  ideal  and  vis- 
ionary, and  to  leave  no  satisfactory  retrospect  upon 
the  mind;  for  nothing  that  has  not  the  fear  of  God 
and  love  of  our  neighbour  for  a  basis,  can  yield  us 
any  solid  profit. 

Every  selfish  motive  and  desire  to  gratify  the 
sensual  appetites,  proves  injurious  to  our  solid  peace, 
and  when  we  come  to  be  stripped  of  all  our  wretched 
rags  of  self-righteousness,  nothing  remains  but  the  real 
treasure  of  a  conscientiousness  that  our  actions  and 
conduct  have  been  formed  on  the  sure  ground  of  the 
glory  of  the  Divine  Name  and  love  to  mankind. 

'jth  Day^  loth. — Was  not  very  well,  owing,  I 
believe,  to  some  cold  I  took  in  my  late  ride.  Kept 
house  most  of  the  day.  David  Sands  kindly  called 
to  see  us. 

1st  Day^  I  ith. — At  Meeting  thrice.  In  the  even- 
ing our  Friend  Sands  was  drawn  forth  to  a  large  au- 
dience, with  great  fervency  and  acceptance. 


1792.]  i87 

id  Day^  \ith. — A  fine  day,  but  cool,  and  more 
cool  towards  evening.  Johnny  went  over  Schuylkill 
to  G.  Gray's,  with  Betsey  Langdale,  and  returned  in 
the  evening. 

2,d  Day^  i^th. — At  Meeting,  where  David  Sands 
had  a  good  time  in  Testimony  and  prayer.  Mother 
Elliott  came  to  stay  a  while  with  us. 

4.th  Day^  \\th. —  Clear  and  cool.  The  winter 
now  approaches  our  doors.  Well  for  those  who  have 
a  good  stock  of  wood,  and  money  in  the  purse. 

$th  Day^  i^ih. — At  High  Street  Meeting;  after 
which  attended  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings,  by  appoint- 
ment of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  on  the  subject  of  ad- 
dressing Congress  on  the  Indian  war.  The  Meeting 
held  late. 

6th  Day^  i6th. —  Attended  at  three  sittings  of 
Meeting  for  Sufferings,  on  same  business  as  mentioned 
yesterday,  which  filled  up  the  service  of  the  day. 

']th  Day^  I'jth. — Was  present  at  three  sittings — 
at  8,  10  and  4 — which  concluded  not  'til  after  dark, 
which  was  a  good  deal  fatiguing  to  nature. 

1st  Day^  iSth. — At  morning  Meeting,  but  was 
not  well  enough  to  go  afterwards,  on  account  of  pain 
in  my  head,  &c. 

id  Day ^  i<^th. — Attended  the  Committee  appoin- 
ted to  deliver  the  address  to  Congress  on  the  subject 
of  the  Indian  war.  So  that  business  is  perfected  for 
the  present. 

'^d  Day  ^  20th. — Preparative  Meeting;  after  which 
I  was  engaged  about  domestic  matters. 

\th  Day^  21st. — Attended  a  Committee  on  Meet- 
ing business. 


i88  [nth  mo.  22d, 

Sth  Day^  22^. — At  High  Street  Week-day  Meet- 
ing, where  David  Sands  and  others  exercised  their  gifts 
in  the  ministry  to  edification. 

bth  Day^  23^. — Being  wet,  was  detained  mostly 
within  doors,  having  been  indisposed  with  a  cold  for 
some  days. 

']th  Day^  2\th. — Went  to  see  our  friend  James 
Needham,  who  has  been  confined  to  his  chamber  for 
some  days. 

1st  Day^  isth. — At  Meeting,  as  usual.  O  that 
these  frequent  opportunities  afforded  for  spiritual  im- 
provement, may  not  be  spent  in  vain — for,  verily,  the 
solemn  period  hastens  when  we  can  no  longer  work, 
'y2?r  there  is  no  work^  nor  device^  nor  knowledge^  nor  wis- 
dom in  the  grave^  whither  thou  goest^^  to  which  state 
we  are  individually  hastening. 

id  Day^  7.6th. — Was  present  at  a  Committee  on 
the  concerns  of  Society.  Also,  was  employed  about 
some  affairs  of  a  private  natfure. 

'^d  Day.,  I'jth, — Our  Monthly  Meeting,  which 
adjourned  about  2,  for  a  week,  as  common.  Made 
some  progress  in  trimming  my  vines. 

/^th  Day.,  iSth^  to  the  end  of  the  month. — Was 
mostly  engaged  within  the  house,  the  weather  being 
cold,  with  sharp  frosts — which  occasioned  me  to  give 
some  further  protection  to  my  vines,  by  placing  litter 
about  the  roots,  &c. 

']th  Day.,  1st  of  Twelfth  month. — Our  neighbour 
Smith  seems  near  her  end.  (She  deceased  the  follow- 
ing night). 

1st  Day.,  2d. — Attended  Meeting  in  the  morning. 
After-part  of  the  day  wrote  to  a  friend  in  New  England. 


1792.]  i89 

id  Day^  3<i. — Thomas  Barker  and  sister  Nelly- 
set  ofF  on  their  return  to  Rhode  Island.  Also,  our 
valued  Friend  David  Sands  left  the  city,  for  his  home 
on  the  North  river  or  near  it,  accompanied  by  Brother 
Joshua  Cresson  and  Samuel  Emlen,  Jun.  Mother 
Elliott  and  Sister  Gray  returned  to  Brother  John's. 

3^  Day^  ^th, — The  adjournment  of  our  Monthly 
Meeting  was  held,  and  the  business  concluded  for  this 
time. 

^th  Day^  ^th. — About  this  time  Mary  Swett,  from 
Haddonfield,  and  the  Friends  appointed  by  our  Monthly 
Meeting,  viz:  Samuel  Smith  and  Hannah  Cathrall, 
with  some  Elders,  began  their  family  visits  to  the 
members  of  our  Meeting.  May  their  labour  of  love 
receive  the  blessing. 

I  think  nothing  less  than  a  sense  of  religious  duty 
could  induce  a  Friend  of  a  small  gift  (though  well  ap- 
proved,) to  leave  her  family,  and  come  on  such  an 
errand. 

Visited  a  friend  who  has  been  some  time  indis- 
posed.    Brother  and  Sister  Cresson  visited  us. 

^th  Day^  6th. — Attended  Meeting  at  High  Street. 
Winterly  weather. 

6tk  Day^  'jth. — Was  employed  on  some  Meeting 
business. 

'Jth  Day^  Sth. — A  very  cold  morning.  Attended 
to  a  religious  concern — endeavouring  to  compose  a 
difference  between  two  members  of  our  Societv. 

1st  Day^  gth. — A  clear,  fine  day.  Johnny  and 
his  Cousin,  Ebenezer  Cresson,  walked  over  to  Had- 
donfield Meeting,  with  a  view  of  staying  a  couple  of 
days. 


17* 


IQO  [i2th  mo.  ioth> 

2d  Day^  lOth. — Employed  in  some  Meeting  busi- 
ness. 

3^  Day^  nth. — Attended  our  Week-day  Meet- 
ing.    Johnny  returned  from  Haddonfield. 

4/^  Day,^  12th. — Engaged  about  my  family  con- 
cerns. 

^th  Day^  i^th. — At  High  St.  Week-day  Meeting. 
Got  in  some  more  fire  wood  to  add  to  my  winter's  store. 

6th  Day^  \\th. — Took  some  further  care  to  se- 
cure my  vines  from  the  force  of  the  winter's  frost. 

qth  Day^  i^th. — A  fine  winter's  day;  and  a  time 
of  general  health,  I  believe,  through  the  city.  May 
we  continually  live  under  a  sense  of  the  favours  be- 
stowed. 

1st  Day^  ibth. — Thrice  at  Meetings,  which  were 
comfortable  to  the  wearied  spirits,  I  trust,  of  many 
travellers  through  this  thorny  wilderness. 

We  hear  of  the  decease  of  Isaac  Caulke  and  his 
wife,  at  the  head  of  Sassafras  river,  Maryland,  who 
deceased  within  a  day  or  two  of  each  other,  and  were 
buried  in  one  grave,  about  the  12th  instant.  An  aw- 
ful instance  of  the  great  uncertainty  of  human  life. 
They  were  favoured  with  the  good  things  plentifully ; 
but  nothing  will  bribe  the  messenger  or  prevent  the 
stroke,  when  the  dread  commission  has  gone  forth. 

2d  Day^  I'jth. — We  hear  that  our  friend  James 
Needham  (a  Friend  from  Salem  in  New  England,) 
has  taken  the  small  pox  at  John  Morton's,  and  is 
likely  to  have  the  disorder  very  full.  His  case  is  try- 
ing, and  calls  for  the  sympathy  of  tender  minds^ 
which,  1  believe,  is  not  wanting  among  a  large  circle 
of  his  friends  here. 


1792.]  iQi 

3^  Day^  iSth. — At  Preparative  Meeting.  After- 
noon went  to  see  several  friends,  one  of  whom,  James 
Needham,  Is  sorely  afflicted  with  the  disorder  men- 
tioned In  my  note  of  yesterday. 

^th  Day^  igth. — Fine,  and  very  fine  for  the  sea- 
son, which  I  endeavoured  to  Improve  according  to 
ability.  Benjamin  Havlland  and  his  son  came  to 
town  from  New  York. 

^th  Day^  20th. — Being  summoned  on  a  jury,  went 
to  Court,  but  did  not  serve,  which  I  was  glad  of. — 
Our  friends  mentioned  In  the  foregoing  dined  with  us. 

bth  Day^  list. — Was  employed  on  some  Meet- 
ing business.  Brother  Joshua  and  Samuel  Emlen,  the 
younger,  returned  from  accompanying  our  Friend  Da- 
vid Sands  to  his  own  habitation. 

']th  Day^  lid. — Visited  James  Needham,  who 
continues  very  111  indeed. 

\st  Day^  23^. — At  Meeting  twice,  which  I  hope 
was  comfortable  and  edifying. 

2d  Day^  2\th. — Went  to  see  several  Indisposed 
friends.     James  Needham  not  expected  to  recover. 

3^  Day^  2Sth. — Our  Monthly  Meeting,  which 
held  late.      Benjamin  Havlland  and  son  dined  with  us. 

About  3  our  friend  James  Needham  finished  his 
earthly  career,  being  the  eleventh  day  from  the  first 
appearance  of  the  small  pox.  He  was  a  solid,  sensi- 
ble Friend  and  Elder,  of  Salem  in  New  England. — 
His  widow,  as  well  as  that  Meeting,  will  no  doubt  be 
sensibly  affected  by  his  removal  in  the  strength  of  his 
years,  (about  46,)  and  at  a  time  of  life  perhaps  most 
fit  for  usefulness. 


JQ2  [i2th  mo.  26th, 

^th  Day^  16th. — A  number  of  Indians  came  to 
town,  'tis  said  to  treat  of  peace.  A  desirable  object, 
truly ;  many  lives  having  been  lost  and  much  money 
expended  in  the  contest  with  them.  Mother  Elliott 
much  indisposed  to-day. 

^th  Day^  2']th, — Was  prevented  attending  Meet- 
ing, which  was  not  pleasant.  'Tis  said  the  Indians 
who  came  to  town  yesterday  are  of  the  Wabash  tribe, 
who  have  been  among  the  principal  actors  in  the  war. 
A  man  of  the  name  of  Blanchard  lately  arrived 
from  France,  with  an  intention  of  exhibiting  a  scene 
of  folly  by  ascending  to  a  great  height  in  the  air,  in  a 
balloon,  which  I  think  amounts  nearly  to  presumption. 
6th  Day^  i^th. — We  have  an  account  of  the  death 
of  Thomas  Swain,  a  respectable  Friend  near  Darby. 

'^th  Day^  2()tb. — The  season  so  far  has  been  re- 
markably mild,  and  'tis  not  improbable  but  that  we 
may  have  a  moderate  winter,  from  several  concurring 
circumstances. 

jst  Day^  ipth. — At  Meeting  thrice,  to  my  com- 
fort. As  I  have  now  (that  is,  a  few  weeks  past,) 
completed  my  fiftieth  year,  the  remaining  span  of  Hfe 
appears  to  diminish  fast.  I  see  the  great  necessity  of 
preparation  for  another  state  of  being  which  will  never 
end.  O  the  importance  of  human  life,  and  the  great 
events  which   accompany  the    prospect    beyond  the 

grave. 

John  Hopkins' wife  Catharine,  daughter  of  Joshua 

Howell,  deceased  in  her  prime,  about  34,  leaving  seven 

children.     There  is  reason  to  hope  from  her  state  of 

mind  in  her  concluding  moments,  that  her  end  was 

peaceful  and  happy. 


1792.]  193 

id  Day ^  31J/. — Mild  and  moderate.  River  still 
open. 

So  the  year  1792  ends.  What  another  may  pro- 
duce none  can  tell.  Doubtless  many  will  be  called 
hence  and  others  fill  their  places  on  this  changeable 
stage. 

Happy  they  who  are  in  a  state  of  readiness  for 
a  better  world  in  that  felicity  which  we  are  authorized 
to  believe  will  be  the  portion  of  all  those  who  run  the 
race  set  before  them  with  patience,  in  obedience  to 
the  Divine  Law  placed  in  every  heart. 


NOTE. 

The  year  1793  was  made  memorable  in  Phila- 
delphia by  the  devastations  of  the  Yellow  Fever.  It 
carried  off  about  4000  of  the  inhabitants. 

Among  the  many  who  then  finished  their  course 
were  Caleb  Cresson's  Wife  and  Brother.  He  felt  it 
his  duty  to  remain  in  the  City.  His  son  Caleb  staid 
with  him,  and  was  attacked  by  the  fever,  but  recovered. 

His  wife  Annabella  went  to  Radnor,  with  her  son 
John,  where  she  was  attacked  with  the  yellow  fever, 
and  died  lOth  mo.  12th,  1793. 

His  Brother  Joshua  Cresson  remained  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  died  of  yellow  fever,  lOth,  mo.  2ist,  1793. 

Daniel  Offley,  Huson  Longstreth,  Ministers  of 
our  Society,  with  many  valuable  members,  fell  victims 
to  the  disease.  C.  C.  C. 


195 


Family  History. 


Fourth  month,  1793. 

I  have  thought  it  might  not  be  improper,  for  the 
information  of  my  dear  sons,  to  give  some  little  ac- 
count of  our  family,  and  my  passage  through  the  wil- 
derness of  this  world. 

Having  observed  that  the  young  generation  soon 
lose  the  knowledge  of  their  predecessors,  and  are 
scarcely  capable  of  informing  their  children  from  what 
stock  they  sprang,  or  who  their  forefathers  were. 

Though  I  have  nothing  to  relate  that  is  sufficient 
ground  for  my  offspring  to  apprehend  themselves  above 
the  middle  class  of  the  community. 

But  I  give  this  account  from  motives  I  think 
justifiable,  namely,  that  they  may  not  be  altogether 
ignorant  of  their  geneaology,  and  that  they  may  see, 
that  in  the  course  of  my  life  I  have  been  cared  for  by 
the  Good  Hand,  and  though  early  deprived  of  the  care 
of  tender  parents,  I  have  been  preserved  by  Him  whose 
providence  extends  even  to  the  sparrows,  and  who 
will  provide  for  all  those  who  sincerely  put  their  trust 
in  Him,  according  as  He  sees  meet  in  His  wisdom, 
which  is  unerring. 


196 

My  grandfather,  Solomon  Cresson,was  descended 
from  the  French  and  German  nations— his  father,  as 
I  have  been  informed,  being  of  French  extraction, 
and  his  mother  a  Low-Dutch  woman. 

My  grandfather  was  one  of  those  who  were  cast 
away  on  the  coast  of  Florida,  with  Jonathan  Dickin- 
son and  his  family,  in  the  year  1696,  being  then  a 
young  man  about  24  or  5,  and  had  been  sent  to  Ja- 
maica by  his  brother  from  New  York,  on  mercantile 
business,  which  proving  unsuccessful,  and  his  expense 
considerable,  on  account  of  endeavours  for  the  re- 
covery of  a  vessel  seized  by  the  Admiralty,  he  was 
obliged  to  work  his  passage  home;  though  he  was  not 
a  sailor,  as  represented  in  the  printed  account  of  the 
shipwreck. 

Having  the  Spanish  language,  he  was  of  singular 
use  to  the  sufferers,  and  perhaps  one  means,  under 
Divine  Providence,  of  preserving  their  lives. 

He  married  Anna  Watson,  who  died  in  1744. 
He  died  in  1746,  very  suddenly,  of  the  apoplexy,  hav- 
ing dropped  down  in  the  street,  near  Friends'  Meeting 
House  in  Market  Street. 

Being  carried  into  his  son  John's  in  Strawberry 
Alley,  he  there  soon  expired.  He  was  a  turner  and 
chair-maker  by  occupation,  by  which  he  acquired  con- 
siderable property. 

My  dear  father  was,  I  think,  his  eldest  son,  and 
brought  up  to  his  father's  calling,  in  which  he  was  re- 
markably ingenious. 

He  married  my  mother,  Sarah  Emlen,  daughter 
of  George  Emlen  the  elder,  about  the  year   1736  or 

1737- 


197 
He  was  industrious  in  his  business,  and  generally- 
beloved.  Having  gone  down  the  river  to  procure 
rushes,  he  took  a  severe  cold,  which  terminated  in  a 
consumption,  which  put  a  period  to  his  life,  in  the  3d 
month,  1746,  in  his  37th  year. 

My  dear  mother  survived  him  a  few  years,  and 
died  of  the  same  disorder,  in  1752,  aged  about  43 
years. 

They  had  four  sons — George,  Caleb,  Joshua, 
and  James.  The  eldest  and  youngest  died  young — 
myself  and  brother  being  the  two  middle  ones.  I  am 
now  in  my  51st  year. 


Now  on  my  mother's  side : 

My  grandfather,  George  Emlen,  came  over,  as  I 
understand,  with  William  Penn.  He  married  Hannah 
Garrett,  daughter  of  Samuel  Garrett,^  a  Friend  in  the 
Ministry,  well  esteemed. 

Samuel  Garrett  was  also  one  of  the  first  settlers, 
and  took  up  his  land  and  residence  near  Darby,  having 
been  a  resident  in  Darbyshire,  Old  England. 

George  and  Hannah  Emlen  had  eight  children^ 
four  sons  and  then  four  daughters,  of  whom  my  mother 
was  the  youngest,  born  about  1709. 

My  grandfather,  George  Emlen,  deceased  in  the 
year  17 10.  My  grandmother,  his  wife,  in  the  year 
1738.  He  was  a  brewer  by  occupation,  and  an  in- 
dustrious reputable  man ;  and  she  a  woman  of  good 
account  for  her  integrity  and  usefulness. 


*  Elsewhere  Hannah  Garrett  is  said  to  have  been  the  daughter  of  William 
Garrett,  who  was  the  father  of  Samuel  Garrett.  C.  C.  C. 

18 


198 

I  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  the  29th  of  8th  mo. 
1742,  Old  Style,  (which,  according  to  the  present 
computation,  answers  to  the  9th  of  nth  month). 

My  father  dying  before  I  was  four  years  old,  my- 
self and  brother  Joshua  were  left  under  the  care  of 
our  mother,  who  remained  a  widow  until  her  decease 
in  1752. 

She  kept  a  shop  in  the  house  where  I  was  born, 
a  few  doors  below  the  Meeting  House  in  Second 
Street,  several  years.  Afterwards  removed,  on  ac- 
count of  her  ill  state  of  health,  with  us  her  children, 
to  Uncle  Joshua  Emlen's,  at  the  upper  end  of  Second 
Street,  where  she  continued  until  her  decease  in  the 
year  above  mentioned. 

She  was  near  two  years  in  a  declining  state,  and 
within  that  time  took  a  little  voyage  to  Rhode  Island, 
and  returned  by  land,  having  my  father's  sister,  Mary 
Armitt,  and  her  husband,  John  Armitt,  as  companions. 

She  also  went  several  months  into  the  country, 
amongst  our  relations  in  Chester  County,  but  she  did 
not  receive  much  benefit  thereby  as  to  her  health. 

I  was  then  left  under  the  care  of  my  Uncle  Joshua 
Emlen  aforesaid,  who  proved  a  kind  friend,  and  man- 
aged our  little  estate,  as  executor,  with  great  upright- 
ness, for  twelve  or  thirteen  years,  without  any  charge 
of  commissions,  for  which  acts  of  real  friendship  I 
hope  he  reaps  a  better  reward  than  we  could  give. 

After  my  mother's  decease  I  went  to  live  with  my 
Uncle  John  Armitt,  whose  wife  fulfilled  the  part  of 
a  kind  parent  to  us  until  her  decease,  in  an  advanced 
age,  in  1791 — of  whom  I  have  written  more  fully 
elsewhere. 


199 

I  continued  at  the  school  of  Anthony  Benezet 
and  Alexander  Seaton,  until  I  went  apprentice  to 
Thomas  Clifford,  merchant,  in  Water  Street,  about 
the  middle  of  the  year,  1757,  where  I  served  six  years 
and  upwards. 

My  master  being  an  extensive  trader,  I  had  full 
employment,  both  for  body  and  mind.  I  was  part 
of  the  time  boarded  at  my  Aunt  Armitt's. 

My  master  had  30  pistoles  as  a  fee,  and  I  believe 
I  may  say  without  vanity,  he  had  a  good  bargain  of  me. 

In  the  year  1767  I  formed  a  marriage  with  Sarah 
Hopkins,  daughter  of  Ebenezer  Hopkins,  of  Haddon- 
field,  a  virtuous,  amiable  young  woman  of  18,  who, 
had  she  been  spared  to  me,  was  likely  to  have  made 
as  accomplished  a  wife  as  most,  but  it  was  otherwise 
ordered,  no  doubt  in  unerring  wisdom. 

We  dwelt  in  Haddonfield  the  little  time  she 
lived,  about  two  years  and  four  months.  She  deceased 
in  the  9th  month,  1769,  of  a  fever,  leaving  me  one 
child,  a  beloved  daughter  Mary. 

In  the  spring  following  I  returned  again  to  my 
native  city,  and  lived  with  my  kind  Aunt  Mary  Ar- 
mitt  until  I  ao;ain  entered  into  a  married  state,  i6th  of 
4th  mo.  1 772,  with  Annabella  Elliott,  daughter  of  John 
and  Annabella  Elliott,  a  family  of  English  Friends, 
who  came  to  this  country  from  Leicester,  in  the  year 
1753.     She  remains  my  present  endeared  wife. 

My  daughter  Mary  deceased  in  the  ist  month, 
1777,  near  nine  years  of  age.  There  was  every  pros- 
pect, had  she  lived,  of  her  being  all  that  a  parent 
could  wish. 


200 

With  my  present  wife  I  have  lived  tv\^enty-one 
years  and  upwards;  have  had  seven  children,  two  only 
now  surviving,  our  eldest-born  John  and  Caleb.  The 
other  five  were  taken  from  the  evil  to  come  in  an 
early  stage  of  life. 

It  is  trying  to  nature  to  sustain  the  loss  of  chil- 
dren, yet  it  is  far  better  to  part  with  them  in  their  in- 
nocency,  when  we  have  no  doubt  of  their  happiness, 
than  to  have  them  live  and  take  to  evil  courses — for 
verily,  the  snares  of  life  are  more  justly  to  be  feared 
than  death. 


201 


Dying  Sayings 

OF 

MARY    ARM  ITT, 

WHO   DECEASED   AT 

PHILADELPHIA, 
Second  Month,  i8th,  1791, 

Aged  83  Years. 


She  was  taken  unwell  the  23d  of  ist  month, 
1 79 1.  Nothing  was  noted  'till  the  following  date, 
when  it  was  apprehended  it  might  prove  her  last  sick- 
ness. 

It  is  believed  she  did  not  know  that  any  thing  she 

dropped  was  committed  to  writing. 

Great  care  has  been  taken  to  preserve  her  own 
expressions,  without  addition  or  alteration. 

I  St  Mo.  29th  Day. 

Speaking  to  a  Friend  who  sat  up  with  her,  she 
said: — "I  feel  very  weak,  as  if  I  was  going.  If  I 
should  die  before  morning,  tell  my  friends  I  love  them 
all.  I  die  in  full  unity  with  them  all,  and  love  for  all 
the  world." 


IS 


* 


202 

4th  Day,  2d  Mo.  2d. 
Several  relations  present,  she  expressed  herself 
thus : — "  I  love  you  all,  and  1  hope  I  shall  die  in  peace. 

0  its  a  great  thing  to  die.     These  poor  bodies  must 

go,  and  if  the  Lord  vi^ould  be  pleased  to  speak  peace 

to  my  soul — no  matter  how  soon.     I  hope  I  shall  die 

the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  that  my  latter  end  may 

be  peace." 

7th  Day,  5th  Mo.  2d. 

To  a  Friend: — "I  have  had  many  lovi^  seasons 
the  Lord  only  knov^^s,  I  hope  he  vi^ill  be  w^ith  me  in 
the  end.     The  Lord  preserve  me  in  the  patience." 

One  enquiring  how  she  did,  she  replied : — "Very 
low.     1  am  going  to  leave  you,  but  I  feel  a  calm — 

1  think  I  may  say  a  sweet  calm.    I  believe  I  am  going 
to  peace." 

To  a  young  woman: — "It  is  a  hard  thing  to  die, 
try  to  be  ready." 

She  also  expressed  herself  in  this  manner: — "I 
am  going  to  my  Father  and  your  Father,  to  my  God 
and  your  God." 

Afternoon,  same  day: — "When  Christ  prayed 
for  his  Disciples,  he  desired  not  that  they  should  be 
taken  out  of  the  world,  but  that  they  should  be  pre- 
served from  the  evil  j  and  I  hope  I  have  been  preserved 

from  the  evil." 

1st  Day,  6th. 

She  now  kept  her  bed  wholly,  and  did  not  set  up, 

but  as  she  was  bolstered  in  the  bed,  she  said: — "I 

hope  I  enjoy  that  peace  the  world  can  neither  give  nor 

take  away,  I  do  not  mention  it  boastingly,  but  desire 

to  be  made  thankful  for  it,  knowing  its  not  through 

any  merit  of  mine." 


203 

After  a  fit  of  great  difficulty  of  breathing: — "Sweet 
Jesus  look  upon  me  in  this  moment  of  trial." 

Shortly  after,  to  some  of  her  nearest  relations : — 
"I  feel  nothing  but  peace,  sweet  peace." 

Some  time  after,  raising  her  voice,  she  called  by 
name  a  young  woman  who  lately  came  among  Friends 
by  convincement,  and  said: — "Dear  Beckey,  hold 
fast  thy  profession — thee  has  bought  the  truth,  don't 
sell  it,  and  if  thee  keeps  near  it,  it  will  preserve  thee, 
and  do  great  things  for  thee." 

To  some  relations: — "The  Lord  be  with  you 
all,  and  bless  you,  and  preserve  you  in  love,  as  I  have 
endeavoured  to  example  you  in  love.** 

After  a  pause: — "The  God  of  love  and  peace 
be  with  you,  and  keep  you  in  love  and  peace  when  I 
am  gone.      Ifs  poor  living  without  Love.'''' 

2d  Day,  yth. 

To  a  young  person : — "  Keep  good  company  and 
thou  wilt  find  great  peace  in  it." 

Same  day,  in  great  bodily  affliction: — "Gracious 
Father  be  pleased  to  receive  my  spirit." 

Being  a  little  revived,  she  said: — "Here  I  am. 
The  Lord's  holy  will  be  done." 

To  a  relation  sitting  by  her  bed : — "  O  the  bustle 
there  is  in  the  world.  But,  when  the  messenger  comes 
we  must  go,  and  leave  it  all.  Beware  of  the  cumber 
of  the  world.  I  have  been  in  a  bustle,  and  thou  art 
in  a  bustle.  A  prudent  care  for  our  families  is  neces- 
sary, but  do  not  be  over  anxious;  thee  sees  the  time 
is  come  to  me,  and  it  will  come  to  thee — when  thee 
must  go  and  leave  it  all." 


204 

To  a  neighbour: — "Thy  mother  was  a  precious 
woman,  and  we  lived  in  great  love  together,  above 
forty  years,  without  a  jar;  and  she  was  very  careful  of 
you.  I  have  heard  her  say  that  she  has  frequently 
taken  you  up  stairs,  and  tenderly  counseled  you  'till 
the  tears  flowed  down  your  faces;  and  I  hope  thou 
wilt  follow  her  good  example  in  bringing  up  thy  lit- 
tle lambs." 

Same  day,  with  great  composure  and  awfulness, 

she  made  this 

PRAYER. 

"Dearest  Father: — Bless  and  preserve  all  pres- 
ent, and  let  every  one  receive  a  crumb  of  Heavenly 
Bread.  As  formerly  thou  blessed  the  bread  and  handed 
it  to  thy  Disciples,  so  let  every  one  of  us  here  partake 
of  the  Bread  of  Life,  that  we  may  all,  as  with  the 
heart  of  one  man,  bless  and  praise  thy  Holy  Name 
forever  and  ever. 

"  O  dear  Father,  preserve  the  young  people  pres- 
ent, and  make  them  to  see  the  beauty  of  holiness  and 
of  purity,  and  the  vanity  of  all  things  here  below. — 
Place  thy  awful  fear  in  their  minds,  that  they  may 
serve  thee  through  life,  and  at  the  close  be  favoured 
with  that  peace  which  I  now  feel,  and  which  is  a  great 
mercy. 

"Praises  and  honour  to  thy  Holy  Name,  forever 
and  ever.     Praises,  praises,  praises." 

After  a  short  pause,  she  added: — "Sweet  Jesus, 
come.  I  give  thee  thanks  for  the  multitude  of  thy 
mercies.  Holy  Father,  preserve  the  young  genera- 
tion, that  they  may  stand  in  awe  before  thee;  bring 
them  up  in    thy  pure  fear,  that    they  may    see   the 


205 

vanities  of  this  world,  and  the  beauties  of  true  re- 
ligion." 

3d  Day,  8th. 

"Dear  Johnny,  love  the  Lord  above  all  things." 

Some  time  after,  feeling  very  111: — "May  the 
Lord  be  pleased  to  receive  me  Into  the  arms  of  his 
mercy." 

After  some  time: — "Praise  ye  the  Lord — praise 

ye  the  Lord ;  for  his  mercies  endure  forever.     Praise 

ye  the  Lord." 

4th  Day,  9th. 

"Sweet  Jesus,  sweet  Jesus!  Good  is  thy  love, 
and  thy  countenance  Is  comely. 

Afterwards,  as  If  contemplating  on  redeeming 
love : — "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are 
heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest." 

To  a  female  relation : — "  My  dear  cousin,  I  love 
thee  dearly.  May  the  Lord  preserve  thee  while  thou 
llvest,  and  may  thou  die  in  his  favour." 

To  a  Friend  : — "  Thou  seest  me  again.  I  believe 
I  am  near  the  port." 

On  her  taking  leave : — "  How  comfortable  the 

expressions  of  our  Saviour,  'In  my  Father's  house  are 

many  mansions.'     If  I  could  but  be  favoured  to  get 

within  a  mansion." 

5th  Day,  loth. 

"  I  have  often  thought  of  those  expressions  of  our 
dear  Lord :  '  My  peace  I  leave  with  you ;  not  as  the 
world  gives,  give  I.'  O  my  dear  cousin,  how  com- 
fortable Is  that  peace  the  Lord  gives  to  them  that  love 
him  J  it  is  better  than  all  the  world  without  it.     Our 


206 

dear  Lord  said,  In  the  world  ye  shall  have  trouble, 
but  in  me  peace." 

At  another  time : — "  Sweet  Jesus,  have  mercy  on 
me.  If  it  be  thy  blessed  will,  receive  me  into  the 
arms  of  thy  mercy ;  but  thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done." 

6th  Day,  nth. 

"I  can  say  with  that  great  man,  David,  'Though 
I  pass  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I 
fear  no  evil.'" 

The  children  of  one  of  her  near  connexions  be- 
ing brought  to  her  bedside,  she  took  affectionate  notice 
of  them.  Afterwards,  being  in  the  room  within  her 
sight,  she  said: — "I  am  looking  at  them,  dear  chil- 
dren; what  a  world  they  have  to  pass  through.  I 
hope  (or  pray)  the  Lord  may  preserve  them." 

1st  Day,  13th. 
About  this  time  a  Friend  in  the  Ministry  calling 
to  see  her,  she  said  she  loved  all  them  that  loved  the 

Lord. 

After  a  little  pause,  she  brake  forth  after  this 
manner: — "Praise  the  Lord,  for  his  mercies  endure 
forever.  O  the  sweet  peace  that  he  gave  to  his  Dis- 
ciples, and  is  still  giving  unto  them  who  follow  him — 
not  as  the  world  gives.  O  Father,  Father,  dearest 
Father!  sweet  is  thy  voice,  and  thy  countenance  is 
comely." 

The  Friend  then  left  her  bedside,  for  she  ap- 
peared to  be  much  spent,  and  after  taking  a  little  re- 
freshment, she  went  to  take  leave  of  her,  when  she 
put  out  her  hand,  and  said: — "I  love  thee,  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  loves  thee.     But  O  the  enemy  is  strong. 


207 

but  the  Lord  is  stronger  than  he.     Remember  Job. 
O  how  the  enemy  desired  to  have  him." 

Then  her  speech  seemed  to  falter,  but  soon  re- 
covering, she  proceeded  thus: — "O  how  the  enemy 
comes  in  like  a  flood ;  but  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  will 
lift  up  a  standard  against  him.  Great  peace  have  all 
they  that  love  the  Divine  Law,  and  nothing  shall  of- 
fend them." 

Same  day : — "  Neither  grace  nor  glory,  nor  any 
good  thing,  will  the  Lord  withhold  from  them  that 
love  and  fear  him." 

Soon  after : — "  Pain  of  body,  but  peace  of  mind. 
O  Father,  how  good  thou  art ;  because  of  the  savour 
of  thy  good  ointment,  the  virgin  souls  do  love  thee." 

In  the  evening: — "My  voice  is  going  that  I  can 
hardly  speak.  What  a  mercy  that  I  have  my  senses. 
The  Lord's  mercies  are  exceeding  great.  May  I  praise 
him  while  I  have  a  being." 

To  one  who  was  much  with  her,  on  taking  leave 
going  to  bed: — "Farewell,  my  dear.  May  the  Lord 
bless  thee,  keep  thee,  and  preserve  thee  every  mo- 
ment.     He  is  the  best  Preserver." 

About  this  time  her  weakness  was  so  great  that 
it  was  with  great  caution  and  tenderness  she  could  be 
moved  without  occasioning  fainting  fits,  in  several  of 
which  her  friends  thought  her  expiring. 

At  times  she  appeared  to  be  in  great  pain,  yet 
through  all  manifested  great  composure  and  patient 
resignation.  A  difficulty  of  breathing  and  oppression 
at  her  breast,  attended  with  a  slight  fever,  and  some- 
times hard  fits  of  coughing,  was  what  she  laboured 


208 

under,  so  that  she  frequently  requested  the  chamber 
door  to  be  opened. 

Nature  gradually  weakened,  and  the  lamp  of  life 
but  glimmered  in  the  socket,  now  and  then  emitting 
a  clearer  light,  and  again  sinking  almost  to  extinction. 

2d  Day,  14th. 

"Father,  be  pleased  to  take  me  Into  the  arms  of 
thy  mercy.  I  return  thee  thanks  for  the  multitude  of 
thy  favours.  My  tongue  is  too  short  to  praise  thee. 
May  all  present  join  in  the  triumphant  song — the  tri- 
umphant song." 

To  one  who  had  the  special  care  of  her : — "  Dear 

Betsey,  the  Lord  will  bless  thee.     Don't  look  to  man 

for  help,  but  look  to  the  Lord,  and  he  will  bless  thee 

forever. 

4th  Day,  1 6th. 

About  this  time,  or  it  may  be  a  little  earlier,  she 
spake  sensibly  and  pertinently  to  one  of  her  family 
whose  welfare  she  had  at  heart,  giving  her  good  ad- 
vice and  caution,  and  left  several  sweet  and  comfort- 
able messages  to  absent  friends,  whom  she  never  ex- 
pected to  see  again  in  mutability. 

She  ordered  several  legacies  to  be  added  to  those 
in  her  will,  and  having  a  concern  on  her  mind  for  the 
good  of  some  who  she  was  not  likely  to  see,  she  de- 
sired two  in  particular  might  be  sent  for,  and  when 
they  came,  she  was  enabled  to  discharge  herself  in 
much  love  and  Christian  meekness. 

5th  Day,  17th. 
About  6  P.  M.  she  was  raised  in  her  bed  with 
great  difficulty,  and  being  extremely  weak,  she  audibly 


209 

expressed: — '"The  righteous  hold  on  their  way,  and 
men  of  clean  hands  grow  stronger  and  stronger.' — 
May  you  all  grow  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the 
power  of  his  might." 

Many  savory  sentences  which  she  dropped  are 
omitted,  as  they  were  not  penned  at  the  time  they 
were  spoken.  Indeed,  it  may  be  said  in  truth,  that 
her  heart  seemed  continually  indicting  good  matter, 
and  when  her  speech  almost  failed,  she  had  at  times 
utterance  given  to  admiration,  and  (all  vain  boasting 
apart,)  her  peaceful  closing  moments  preached  to  the 
bystanders,  affording  proof  that  she  had  not  run  in 
vain,  nor  laboured  in  vain. 

The  fear  and  terror  of  death  were  removed,  and 
she  met  the  awful  messenger  with  that  calmness  and 
peaceful  resignation  that  is  often  vouchsafed  in  adora- 
ble mercy  to  some  of  the  Lord's  chosen  and  faithful 
servants. 

On  the  dawn  of  day,  having  a  glimpse  of  the 
stars  through  the  curtains,  after  a  laborious  night,  she 
said  : — "  The  morning  stars  sang  together,  and  all  the 
sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy." 

6th  Day,  i8th. 

Being  the  day  of  her  departure.  As  the  day 
broke  she  seemed  as  one  waiting  for  the  coming  of  her 
Lord,  her  lamp  trimmed  and  light  burning. 

On  receiving  something  to  take,  she  expressed 
feelingly  : — "  Praise  ye  the  Lord,  for  his  mercies  en- 
dure forever." 

A  relation  from  the  country  coming  in  and  draw- 
ing to  her  bed,  about  two  hours  before  she  died,  she 
expressed  great  love   for  his  wife  and  children,  and 


19 


210 

said  again : — "  Praise  ye  the  Lord,  for  my  tongue  is 
too  short  to  praise  him." 

A  little  after,  in  broken  accents,  the  powers  of 
speech  failing,  moving  her  hand  towards  him,  (I.  L.) 
she  uttered  with  difficulty : — "  He  hath  brought  me  to 
his  banqueting  house,  and  his  banner  over  me  is  love," 
and  on  taking  leave,  desired  he  would  give  abundance 
of  love  to  his  dear  wife  and  friends  that  way. 

This  was  an  affecting  scene  to  the  friends  and 
all  around  her  bed. 

Within  about  an  hour  of  her  departure,  she  said : 
"May  the  God  of  love  and  peace  be  with  you  all." 

A  little  while  after,  she  said : — "//'j  all  peace — 
ifs  all  joy  for  evermore.^' 

These  were  her  last  words,  except  desiring  to  be 
turned,  or  motioning  for  a  drop  of  water,  or  some- 
thing of  that  kind. 

Within  a  few  minutes  of  her  death,  her  speech 
being  gone,  she  motioned  with  her  fingers  for  those 
near  her  to  come  and  take  their  leave.  On  their  kiss- 
ing her,  she  endeavoured  to  move  her  lips  to  several 
in  return,  manifesting  the  strength  of  her  love  to  the 

last. 

About  half  after  eleven,  in  the  forenoon,  she  fin- 
ished her  earthly  course,  without  groan  or  struggle — 
having  been  eminently  favoured  in  every  stage  of  her 
illness,  and  also  in  the  hour  of  death,  by  that  Gracious 
Hand  that  was  her  support  and  preservation  through 
hfe,  and  her  defence  and  crown  in  the  solemn,  awful 
conclusion. 

Thus  our  endeared  friend  finished  her  earthly 
pilgrimage  in  full  age,  as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in 


211 

its  season.  Having  maintained  the  warfare,  she  was 
mercifully  crowned  with  the  victory  over  all  her  soul's 
enemies. 

It  remains  to  add  a  word  or  two  for  the  informa- 
tion of  those  who  were  least  acquainted  with  her,  and 
for  the  encouragement  of  humble  travellers  in  suc- 
ceeding days,  who  may  be  conflicting  with  the  perils 
of  time,  and  continued  to  finish  the  momentous  work 
of  their  souls'  salvation,  that  so  they  may  be  fitted  for 
an  abundant  entrance  into  their  Heavenly  Master's 
Rest. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  George  and  Hannah 
Emlen,  born  at  Philadelphia,  the  ist  of  the  nth  mo. 
1707-8.  Her  father  died  in  17 10,  and  she  was  care- 
fully educated  by  her  pious  mother,  being  the  seventh 
of  eight  children  her  father  left. 

In  1728  she  became  the  wife  of  our  valued  Friend 
John  Armitt,  who  deceased  in  1762.  Thenceforward 
she  remained  in  a  single  state. 

In  early  life  she  was  distinguished  for  circum- 
spection of  conduct,  sweetness  of  disposition,  gentle- 
ness of  manners,  and  comeliness  of  person. 

Being  favoured  to  choose  that  better  part  which 
our  blessed  Lord  spake  of,  she  in  future  time  was  ren- 
dered a  bright  ornament  to  our  Christian  profession, 
conspicuous  for  love,  charity,  meekness.  These,  with 
other  spiritual  graces,  adorned  her  life,  and  gained  her 
general  favour,  both  within  and  without  the  pale  of 
our  religious  community. 

For  the  Truth,  as  its  sanctifying  operations  in 
devotedness  of  heart  are  submitted  to  and  obeyed, 
never  fails  to  make  its  humble  followers  honorable  in 


212 


private  life,  and  more  openly  in  the  view  of  all  who 
value  Heavenly  Wisdom  for  its  innate  perfections  and 
the  benefits  resulting  to  its  happy  possessors. 

She  was  favoured  with  an  even,  peaceful  progress 
through  a  length  of  years ;  favoured  of  her  great  Mas- 
ter; happy  in  herself,  because  free  from  conscious 
guilt.  She  passed  the  youth,  meridian  and  decline  of 
life,  but  little  ruffled  with  the  adverse  storms  which 
are  so  generally  attendant  upon  worldly  things. 

Having  no  offspring  of  her  own,  she  was  exempt 
from  some  of  the  cares  and  solicitudes  which  possess 
a  parent's  breast;  nevertheless  she  was  as  a  parent 
unto  many,  and  failed  not  in  the  several  duties  incum- 
bent on  those  who  are  entrusted  with  a  charge  so  great 
as  nurturing  souls  for  Heaven,  and  the  Divine  bless- 
ing was  not  withheld  from  her  pious  endeavours  for 
the  lasting  benefit  of  those  whose  education  fell  with- 
in her  sphere. 

Experience  made  her  wise  in  the  best  sense.  The 
Law  of  the  Lord  was  in  her  heart,  and  its  happy  in- 
fluence was  manifest;  few  of  her  steps  did  slide. 
She  loved  the  Lord,  and  feared  before  his  Name — 
therefore  his  promises  were  fulfilled  to  her.  She  was 
fed  inwardly  and  outwardly.  His  covenant  was  with 
her,  of  life  and  peace.  He  gave  them  to  her  for  the 
fear  wherewith  she  feared  him,  and  was  afraid  before 
his  Name. 

I  am  not  disposed  to  over-rate  her  endowments. 
Yet  'tis  Apostolic  advice,  "  Render  honour  unto  whom 
honour  is  due."  It's  true,  she  needs  it  not;  she  has 
slept  in  Jesus,  therefore  has  the  Lord  brought  her 
unto  glory !     Nevertheless,  many  remain  to  tread  the 


213 

thorny  paths  through  time.     Let  her  example  animate 
— let  her  virtues  encourage  all — the  youth  especially. 

The  prize,  the  inestimable  prize,  is  worth  con- 
tending for — at  every  expense,  at  all  hazards — and 
(through  holy  help,  blessed  be  the  Lord,)  is  attainable. 
It  will  cost  us  something,  yea,  all  worldly  things,  yet 
the  purchase  even  so  were  cheap.  For,  if  haply  we 
are  enabled  to  lay  hold  on  eternal  life,  we  shall  pos- 
sess what  is  above  all  price.  But  failing  therein, 
earth  with  all  its  perishing  joys,  and  delusive,  mo- 
mentary delights  and  pleasures,  will  leave  us  wretched 
— yea,  most  miserable  indeed.  ^ 

I  now  return  to  the  deceased. 

Her  light  shone  in  life  and  in  death — brightest  at 
the  solemn  close.  She  disclaimed  all  merit,  yet  was 
made  rich  through  free  grace,  for  thereby  alone  she 
was  enabled  to  withstand,  and  having  done  all,  to 
stand !  She  acknowledged  her  unprofitableness,  but 
was  accepted  in  the  beloved.  Her  works  praise  her 
in  the  gate,  and  being  dead,  she  yet  speaketh, — and 
what  is  the  language  of  her  life  and  death  ?  Go  thou 
and  do  likewise.  Sell  all,  and  thou  shalt  inherit  eter- 
nal life. 

She  died  6th  day,  i8th  of  the  id  month,  1791. 
Her  remains  were  accompanied  to  High  Street  Meet- 
ing House,  2d  day,  the  21st,  (having  been  an  Elder 
above  forty  years,)  where  the  Master's  presence  was 
vouchsafed  to  a  crowded  audience :  Heavenly  Bread 
was  dispensed  to  the  multitude.  Her  example  was 
held  up  to  surviving  pilgrims,  and  the  voice  of  the 
Spirit  was: — "Weep  not  for  me,  but  for  yourselves 
and  for  your  children." 


214 

She  was  then  respectfully  attended  to  the  grave, 
and  committed  to  the  dust. 

But  her  sanctified  spirit  has,  we  trust,  ascended 
unto  Him  who  gave  it — even  to  join  that  great  multi- 
tude which  no  man  could  number^  which  that  favoured 
servant,  John  the  Divine,  saw  before  the  Throne,  of 
all  nations^  and  kindreds^  and  tongues^  and  people^  with 
this  triumphant  song : 

''AMEN  !  BLESSING,  AND  GLORY,  AND  WIS- 
DOM, AND  THANKSGIVING,  AND  HONOUR,  AND 
POWER,  AND  MIGHT,  BE  UNTO  OUR  GOD,  FOR- 
EVER  AND  EVER.     AMEN." 


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